Non-small cell lung cancer: evaluation of the relationship between fibrosis and washout feature at dynamic contrast enhanced CT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ye Xiaodan; Yuan Zheng; Ye Jianding; Li Huimin; Zhu Yuzhao; Zhang Shunmin; Liu Shiyuan; Xiao Xiangsheng

2010-01-01

Objective: To correlate dynamic parameters at contrast enhanced CT and interstitial fibrosis grade of' non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Twenty-nine patients with NSCLC were evaluated by multi-slice CT. Images were obtained before and at 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 180, 300, 540, 720, 900 and 1200 s after the injection of contrast media, which was administered at a rate of 4 ml/s for a total of 420 mg I/kg body weight. Washout parameters were calculated. Lung cancer specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin stain and collagen and elastic double stain. Spearman test was made to analyze correlation between dynamic parameters and interstitial fibrosis grade of tumor. Results: Twenty- nine NSCLC demonstrated washout at 20 min 12.1 (0.32-58.0) HU, washout ratio at 20 minutes 15.3% (0.3%-39.2%), slope of washout at 20 minutes 0.0152%/s (0.0007%/s-0.0561%/s). Interstitial fibrosis of 29 lesions was graded as grade Ⅰ (10), grade Ⅱ (14) and grade Ⅲ (5). There were significant correlation between washout at 20 min (r=-0.402, P<0.05), washout ratio at 20 min (r= -0.372, P<0.05), slope of washout ratio (r=-0.459, P<0.05) and interstitial fibrosis grade in tumors. Conclusion: NSCLC washout features at dynamic multi-detector CT correlates with interstitial fibrosis in the tumor. (authors)

Pathological manifestation of difference in washout pattern of adrenal hyperplasia on dynamic CT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishie, Akihiro; Asayama, Yoshiki; Ishigami, Kousei

2014-01-01

The relationship between the washout pattern and constituent cell in adrenal hyperplasia (AH) has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the radiological or pathological factors determining the washout pattern of AH on dynamic CT. Ten patients with 14 surgically proven AHs were enrolled. Dynamic CT was scanned before (pre-contrast image) and 60 seconds (early phase) and 240 seconds (delayed phase) after administration of iodine contrast. The absolute percentage washout (APW) of each nodular lesion was calculated using the following formula: APW(%)=(TAearly-TAdelay) / (TAearly-TApre)×100, when TApre, TAearly and TAdelay were defined as tumour attenuation values of pre-contrast, early and delayed phases, respectively. Pathologically, the clear cell ratio (CCR) constituting each nodular lesion was qualitatively assessed. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate a correlation between each pair of CCR, TApre, (TAearly-TAdelay) and APW. There was a significant correlation between each pair of CCR, TApre and APW. CCR decreased as TApre increased (r=0.81, P<0.001). APW increased as CCR decreased r=0.80, P<0.001) or as TApre increased (r=0.74, P<0.01). The key factors of washout pattern of AH on dynamic CT were CCR and TApre. The difference in constituent cell was associated with variability in APW of AH.

Numerical modeling of atmospheric washout processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bayer, D.; Beheng, K.D.; Herbert, F.

1987-01-01

For the washout of particles from the atmosphere by clouds and rain one has to distinguish between processes which work in the first phase of cloud development, when condensation nuclei build up in saturated air (Nucleation Aerosol Scavenging, NAS) and those processes which work at the following cloud development. In the second case particles are taken off by cloud droplets or by falling rain drops via collision (Collision Aerosol Scavenging, CAS). The physics of both processes is described. For the CAS process a numerical model is presented. The report contains a documentation of the mathematical equations and the computer programs (FORTRAN). (KW) [de

Analysis of the degree of pulmonary thallium washout after exercise in patients with coronary artery disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Levy, R.; Rozanski, A.; Berman, D.S.; Garcia, E.; Van Train, K.; Maddahi, J.; Swan, H.J.

1983-01-01

An abnormal increase in pulmonary thallium activity may be visualized on post-stress thallium images in patients with coronary artery disease. Because this increased pulmonary thallium activity usually disappears by the time of redistribution imaging, this study was designed to assess whether measurement of the degree of pulmonary thallium washout between stress and redistribution might improve the detection of increased pulmonary thallium activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Quantitative analysis revealed abnormal (that is, greater than 2 standard deviations of normal values) pulmonary thallium washouts in 59 (64%) of 92 patients with coronary artery disease, but in only 2 (25%) of 8 subjects with angiographically normal arteries (p less than 0.06). By comparison, the visual analysis of pulmonary thallium washout and use of initial pulmonary to myocardial thallium ratio were significantly (p less than 0.05) less sensitive in detecting abnormality in patients with coronary artery disease. Abnormal pulmonary thallium washout was related to both the anatomic extent and functional severity of disease: it occurred with greatest frequency in patients with multivessel disease and in those with exercise-induced left ventricular dysfunction (p less than 0.005). When added to the quantitative analysis of myocardial scintigraphy, the analysis of pulmonary thallium washout increased the detection of coronary artery disease from 84 to 93% (p less than 0.05), but the sample size was too small to assess specificity

Precipitation washout (a bibliography with abstracts). Period covered: 1964--June 1975

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lehmann, E.J.

1975-06-01

The reports cited in this bibliography cover the removal of pollutants, radioactive isotopes, and dust by rain and snow. The theory, modeling, sampling, and effects of precipitation washout are presented. (auth)

Relationship between iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid washout ratio and oxygen consumption in normal and ischemic myocardium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saito, Kimimasa; Okamoto, Ryuji; Saito, Yasuhiro

1997-01-01

The relationship between oxygen consumption and iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid ( 123 I-BMIPP) washout at rest and after exercise was investigated in normal and ischemic myocardium. Sixteen healthy volunteers and 14 patients with ischemic heart disease were examined. After injection of 111 MBq of 123 I-BMIPP, serial single photon emission computed tomography imaging was performed to evaluate washout ratio after 30 min and 1 hour of rest and after exercise. In the volunteers, the mean washout ratio was 3.3±3.5% after 1 hour of rest and increased during exercise. The exercise washout ratio showed a better correlation with net pressure rate product (net PRP: cumulative values of PRP during exercise) than with the peak PRP. The exercise washout ratio showed a strong correlation with the net PRP in the range from 180 to 300x10 3 mmHg·beat/min and a plateau of 10-15%. In the nine ischemic patients with net PRP≥300x10 3 mmHg·beat/min, the exercise washout ratio values were significantly elevated in normal segments relative to ischemic segments (10.1±1.9% vs 4.7±2.9%, p 3 mmHg·beat/min, washout ratio at rest and after exercise did not differ significantly between normal and ischemic segments. 123 I-BMIPP washout ratio increased with increased oxygen consumption during exercise in normal myocardium but not in ischemic myocardium. The patient must exercise before fatty acid metabolism can be compared between normal and ischemic myocardium. (author)

Tidal volume single breath washout of two tracer gases--a practical and promising lung function test.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florian Singer

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Small airway disease frequently occurs in chronic lung diseases and may cause ventilation inhomogeneity (VI, which can be assessed by washout tests of inert tracer gas. Using two tracer gases with unequal molar mass (MM and diffusivity increases specificity for VI in different lung zones. Currently washout tests are underutilised due to the time and effort required for measurements. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple technique for a new tidal single breath washout test (SBW of sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6 and helium (He using an ultrasonic flowmeter (USFM. METHODS: The tracer gas mixture contained 5% SF(6 and 26.3% He, had similar total MM as air, and was applied for a single tidal breath in 13 healthy adults. The USFM measured MM, which was then plotted against expired volume. USFM and mass spectrometer signals were compared in six subjects performing three SBW. Repeatability and reproducibility of SBW, i.e., area under the MM curve (AUC, were determined in seven subjects performing three SBW 24 hours apart. RESULTS: USFM reliably measured MM during all SBW tests (n = 60. MM from USFM reflected SF(6 and He washout patterns measured by mass spectrometer. USFM signals were highly associated with mass spectrometer signals, e.g., for MM, linear regression r-squared was 0.98. Intra-subject coefficient of variation of AUC was 6.8%, and coefficient of repeatability was 11.8%. CONCLUSION: The USFM accurately measured relative changes in SF(6 and He washout. SBW tests were repeatable and reproducible in healthy adults. We have developed a fast, reliable, and straightforward USFM based SBW method, which provides valid information on SF(6 and He washout patterns during tidal breathing.

Tidal Volume Single Breath Washout of Two Tracer Gases - A Practical and Promising Lung Function Test

Science.gov (United States)

Singer, Florian; Stern, Georgette; Thamrin, Cindy; Fuchs, Oliver; Riedel, Thomas; Gustafsson, Per; Frey, Urs; Latzin, Philipp

2011-01-01

Background Small airway disease frequently occurs in chronic lung diseases and may cause ventilation inhomogeneity (VI), which can be assessed by washout tests of inert tracer gas. Using two tracer gases with unequal molar mass (MM) and diffusivity increases specificity for VI in different lung zones. Currently washout tests are underutilised due to the time and effort required for measurements. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple technique for a new tidal single breath washout test (SBW) of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and helium (He) using an ultrasonic flowmeter (USFM). Methods The tracer gas mixture contained 5% SF6 and 26.3% He, had similar total MM as air, and was applied for a single tidal breath in 13 healthy adults. The USFM measured MM, which was then plotted against expired volume. USFM and mass spectrometer signals were compared in six subjects performing three SBW. Repeatability and reproducibility of SBW, i.e., area under the MM curve (AUC), were determined in seven subjects performing three SBW 24 hours apart. Results USFM reliably measured MM during all SBW tests (n = 60). MM from USFM reflected SF6 and He washout patterns measured by mass spectrometer. USFM signals were highly associated with mass spectrometer signals, e.g., for MM, linear regression r-squared was 0.98. Intra-subject coefficient of variation of AUC was 6.8%, and coefficient of repeatability was 11.8%. Conclusion The USFM accurately measured relative changes in SF6 and He washout. SBW tests were repeatable and reproducible in healthy adults. We have developed a fast, reliable, and straightforward USFM based SBW method, which provides valid information on SF6 and He washout patterns during tidal breathing. PMID:21423739

Tidal volume single breath washout of two tracer gases--a practical and promising lung function test.

Science.gov (United States)

Singer, Florian; Stern, Georgette; Thamrin, Cindy; Fuchs, Oliver; Riedel, Thomas; Gustafsson, Per; Frey, Urs; Latzin, Philipp

2011-03-10

Small airway disease frequently occurs in chronic lung diseases and may cause ventilation inhomogeneity (VI), which can be assessed by washout tests of inert tracer gas. Using two tracer gases with unequal molar mass (MM) and diffusivity increases specificity for VI in different lung zones. Currently washout tests are underutilised due to the time and effort required for measurements. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple technique for a new tidal single breath washout test (SBW) of sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)) and helium (He) using an ultrasonic flowmeter (USFM). The tracer gas mixture contained 5% SF(6) and 26.3% He, had similar total MM as air, and was applied for a single tidal breath in 13 healthy adults. The USFM measured MM, which was then plotted against expired volume. USFM and mass spectrometer signals were compared in six subjects performing three SBW. Repeatability and reproducibility of SBW, i.e., area under the MM curve (AUC), were determined in seven subjects performing three SBW 24 hours apart. USFM reliably measured MM during all SBW tests (n = 60). MM from USFM reflected SF(6) and He washout patterns measured by mass spectrometer. USFM signals were highly associated with mass spectrometer signals, e.g., for MM, linear regression r-squared was 0.98. Intra-subject coefficient of variation of AUC was 6.8%, and coefficient of repeatability was 11.8%. The USFM accurately measured relative changes in SF(6) and He washout. SBW tests were repeatable and reproducible in healthy adults. We have developed a fast, reliable, and straightforward USFM based SBW method, which provides valid information on SF(6) and He washout patterns during tidal breathing.

Washout of tritium from 3R-3(3H)-L-aspartate in the aspartase reaction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katz, B.M.; Cook, P.F.

1987-01-01

Bacterial aspartase catalyzes the reversible conversion of L-aspartate to fumarate and ammonia. Recent studies that made use of deuterium and 15 N isotope effects suggested a carbanion intermediate mechanism in which C-N bond cleavage is rate determining. This could result in removal of a proton from the 3R position of aspartate at a rate of faster than the elimination of ammonia. 3R-3( 3 H)-Aspartate was prepared enzymatically using aspartase from fumarate, ammonia and 3 H 2 O and aspartate isolated via chromatography on Dowex 50W x 8 at pH 1, eluting with 2N pyridine. The rate of 3 H washout from this aspartate was then measured as a function of aspartate concentration and compared to the rate of production of fumarate. Tritium does washout of aspartate at a rate faster than fumarate is formed but the proton is apparently not rapidly equilibrated with solvent. The tritium washout experiments were supplemented using 3R-3( 2 H)-aspartate prepared as above with 2 H 2 O replacing 3 H 2 O and monitoring the appearance of 3R-3( 1 H)-aspartate via 1 H-NMR. Results confirm the tritium washout results. Data are discussed in terms of the carbanion mechanism

New time-saving predictor algorithm for multiple breath washout in adolescents

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Grønbæk, Jonathan; Hallas, Henrik Wegener; Arianto, Lambang

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND: Multiple breath washout (MBW) is an informative but time-consuming test. This study evaluates the uncertainty of a time-saving predictor algorithm in adolescents. METHODS: Adolescents were recruited from the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC2000) birth cohort...

Pheochromocytoma as a frequent false-positive in adrenal washout CT. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Woo, Sungmin; Kim, Sang Youn [Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Suh, Chong Hyun [University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Namwon Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Jeong Yeon; Kim, Seung Hyup [Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Institute of Radiation Medicine and Kidney Research Institute, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2018-03-15

To evaluate the proportion of pheochromocytomas meeting the criteria for adenoma on adrenal washout CT and the diagnostic performance of adrenal washout CT for differentiating adenoma from pheochromocytoma. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to 28 March 2017. We included studies that used adrenal washout CT for characterisation of pheochromocytomas. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Proportions were pooled using an inverse variance method for calculating weights (random-effects). Sensitivity and specificity were pooled using hierarchical logistic regression modelling and plotted in a hierarchical summary receiver-operating-characteristics (HSROC) plot. Ten studies (114 pheochromocytomas) were included. The pooled proportion of pheochromocytomas meeting the criteria for adenomas was 35 % (95 % CI 20-51). For eight studies providing information on diagnostic performance, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for differentiating adenoma from pheochromocytoma were 0.97 (95 % CI 0.93-0.99) and 0.67 (95 % CI 0.44-0.84), respectively. The area under the HSROC curve was 0.97 (95 % CI 0.95-0.98). There was a non-negligible proportion of pheochromocytomas meeting the criteria for adenoma on adrenal washout CT. Although overall diagnostic performance was excellent for differentiating adenoma from pheochromocytoma, specificity was relatively low. (orig.)

Pheochromocytoma as a frequent false-positive in adrenal washout CT. A systematic review and meta-analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Woo, Sungmin; Kim, Sang Youn; Suh, Chong Hyun; Cho, Jeong Yeon; Kim, Seung Hyup

2018-01-01

To evaluate the proportion of pheochromocytomas meeting the criteria for adenoma on adrenal washout CT and the diagnostic performance of adrenal washout CT for differentiating adenoma from pheochromocytoma. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to 28 March 2017. We included studies that used adrenal washout CT for characterisation of pheochromocytomas. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Proportions were pooled using an inverse variance method for calculating weights (random-effects). Sensitivity and specificity were pooled using hierarchical logistic regression modelling and plotted in a hierarchical summary receiver-operating-characteristics (HSROC) plot. Ten studies (114 pheochromocytomas) were included. The pooled proportion of pheochromocytomas meeting the criteria for adenomas was 35 % (95 % CI 20-51). For eight studies providing information on diagnostic performance, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for differentiating adenoma from pheochromocytoma were 0.97 (95 % CI 0.93-0.99) and 0.67 (95 % CI 0.44-0.84), respectively. The area under the HSROC curve was 0.97 (95 % CI 0.95-0.98). There was a non-negligible proportion of pheochromocytomas meeting the criteria for adenoma on adrenal washout CT. Although overall diagnostic performance was excellent for differentiating adenoma from pheochromocytoma, specificity was relatively low. (orig.)

The contribution of site to washout and rainout: Precipitation chemistry based on sample analysis from 0.5 mm precipitation increments and numerical simulation

Science.gov (United States)

Aikawa, Masahide; Kajino, Mizuo; Hiraki, Takatoshi; Mukai, Hitoshi

2014-10-01

Datasets of precipitation chemistry at a precipitation resolution of 0.5 mm from three sites were studied to determine whether the washout and rainout mechanisms differed with site type (urban, suburban, rural). Rainout accounted for approximately one-third of the total NO3- deposition and washout contributed two-thirds, irrespective of the site type, although the washout contribution at the urban site (over 70%) was larger than that at the other two sites. The rainout mechanism and the washout mechanism both accounted for about half the total SO42- deposition at the suburban and rural sites, whereas at the urban site the rainout contribution was over 80%. A chemical transport model produced similar levels of washout and rainout contributions as the precipitation chemistry data.

The washout effects of rainfall on atmospheric particulate pollution in two Chinese cities.

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Ling-Chuan; Zhang, Yonghui; Lin, Hualiang; Zeng, Weilin; Liu, Tao; Xiao, Jianpeng; Rutherford, Shannon; You, Jing; Ma, Wenjun

2016-08-01

Though rainfall is recognized as one of the main mechanisms to reduce atmospheric particulate pollution, few studies have quantified this effect, particularly the corresponding lag effect and threshold. This study aimed to investigate the association between rainfall and air quality using a distributed lag non-linear model. Daily data on ambient PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm and from 2.5 to 10 μm) and meteorological factors were collected in Guangzhou and Xi'an from 2013 to 2014. A better washout effect was found for PM2.5-10 than for PM2.5, and the rainfall thresholds for both particle fractions were 7 mm in Guangzhou and 1 mm in Xi'an. The decrease in PM2.5 levels following rain lasted for 3 and 6 days in Guangzhou and Xi'an, respectively. Rainfall had a better washout effect in Xi'an compared with that in Guangzhou. Findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of the washout effects of rainfall on particulate pollution, which may help to understand the category and sustainability of dust-haze and enforce anthropogenic control measures in time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Precipitation washout (a bibliography with abstracts). Report for 1964-Jun 76

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, R.J.

1976-06-01

The reports cited in this bibliography cover the removal of pollutants, radioactive isotopes, and dust by rain and snow. The theory, modeling, sampling, and effects of precipitation washout are presented. (This updated bibliography contains 95 abstracts, 21 of which are new entries to the previous edition.)

Precipitation washout (a bibliography with abstracts). Report for 1964-July 1978. 126 Abstracts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, R.J.

1978-07-01

The reports cited in the bibliography cover the removal of pollutants, radioactive isotopes, and dust by rain and snow. The theory, modelling, sampling, and effects of precipitation washout are presented

Determination of hyperacute kidney rejection in different xenogeneic system by 133xenon washout technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Welter, H.; Schmidt, K.R.; Pfeifer, K.J.; Hammer, C.; Chaussy, C.

1980-01-01

1. 133 Xenon washout technique is suitable for studying all stages of xenogeneic kidney rejection. 2. Follow-up studies allow differentiation between kidney rejection and kidneys in shock. 3. Changes of intrarenal blood flow distribution correlate with the histologic changes caused by rejection. 4. Total blood flow measurements employing 133 xenon washout yield 10-20% lower values compared with venous outflow measurements. 5. Graft rejection in the xenogeneic cat-dog system can be significantly delayed by ALG pretreatment. 6. The beneficial effect of blood transfusion described in different clinical and experimental studies could not be found after pretreatment of dogs with fox red blood cells. (orig.)

Evaluation of pulmonary gas distribution by the 133Xe washout curve

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sato, Masao; Katsuragawa, Shigehiko

1989-01-01

The pulmonary mixing index (PMI) and ΔN 2 derived from an N 2 washout curve by the multiple-breath method, and the K 1 /K 4 ratio (K 1 , K 4 are the rate constant of washout obtained from the fast space and slow space, respectively) derived from regional 133 Xe washout curves were evaluated in 12 healthy subjects and 22 subjects with pulmonary disease, who included 12 subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 5 subjects with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and 5 subjects with bronchial asthma (BA). The results were as follows: 1) PMI was 0.68±0.31% (mean±SD) in the PF group, 1.34±0.40% in the BA group and 8.63±5.01% in the COPD group. The ΔN 2 was 0.20±0.11%, 0.64±0.24% and 5.96±4.21%, respectively. 2) The K 1 /K 4 ratio in the right lung was linearly correlated with that of the left lung (r=0.84, p 1 /K 4 ratio (mean±SE) in healthy subjects was lowest in the basal region of the right lung. 4) The regional gas distribution score (RGDS) derived from the regional K 1 /K 4 ratios was 18.8±0.9 (mean±SE) in the healthy 12 subjects, 19.0±1.2 in the PF group, 11.8±1.8 in the BA group and 6.5±0.6 in the COPD group. It was concluded that RGDS was more sensitive and useful parameter than PMI and ΔN 2 for detecting the disturbance of pulmonary gas distribution. (author)

Method for detecting cement voids or borehole washouts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, M.P.

1978-01-01

A fast neutron source is used to irradiate earth formations in the vicinity of a well borehole. Dual spaced epithermal neutron detectors are used to sample the epithermal neutron population at two different spaced distances from the source. A compensated formation porosity is obtained from the ratio of counting rates at the dual spaced detectors. An uncompensated porosity value is obtained from the count rate at the short spaced detector. Borehole washout or cement void regions are located by comparing the compensated and uncompensated values of formation porosity obtained in this manner

Method for detecting cement voids or borehole washouts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, M.P.

1980-01-01

This invention, rather than relying on a measure of the thermal neutron population, uses a measurement of the epithermal neutron population by means of two spaced neutron detectors longitudinally spaced from a neutron source with a relatively high intensity neutron flux. Special detectors discriminate against the detection of thermal neutrons. By comparing the compensated porosity measurement using the dual speed detectors with an uncompensated porosity measured by using only one detector the location of borehole washouts or cement voids can be found. Full details are given. (U.K.)

Usefulness of percentage enhancement washout value calculated on unenhanced, contrast-enhanced, and delayed enhanced CT in adrenal masses: adenoma versus metastasis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sohn, Kyung Myung; Lee, Sung Yong; Lee, Keun Ho

2003-01-01

To determine the usefulness of percentage enhancement washout value calculated on unenhanced, enhanced and delayed enhanced CT scans for the characterization of adrenal masses. Forty adrenal masses less than 5 cm in size were assessed using a protocol consisting of unenhanced CT, enhanced CT 60 seconds after intravenous administration of contrast material, and delayed enhanced CT at 10 minutes. The CT attenuation value of adrenal tumors was estimated on each scan, and percentage enhancement washout value was calculated as follows:[(attenuation value at enhanced CT-attenuation value at delayed CT)/ (attenuation value at enhanced CT-attenuation value at unenhanced CT)x100]. An adrenal mass was considered benign if its percentage enhancement washout value was at the threshold value, set to 60% and 50%, or higher. The accuracy of the procedure was determined by comparing its findings with the final clinical diagnosis. Twenty-nine massess were benign and 11 were malignant. The mean percentage enhancement washout value of the former was significantly higher than that of the latter (66.7% vs. 21.8%; p<0.01). All adenomas except one had a washout value of more than 50%. With a percentage washout threshold of 60%, 35 of 40 lesions were correctly characterized as benign or malignant [sensitivity 82.7% (24/29), specificity 100% (11/11), accuracy 87.5% (35/40)]; with a threshold of 50%, 39 of 40 lesions were correctly characterized [(sensitivity 96.5% (28/29), specificity 100% (11/11), accuracy 97.5% (39/40)]. Percentage enhancement washout values are useful for characterizing an adrenal mass as benign or malignant. For characterization, a threshold value of 50% was more accurate than one of 60%

Second Order Washout filter based Power Sharing Strategy for Uninterruptible Power Supply

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lu, Jinghang; Savaghebi, Mehdi; Guerrero, Josep M.

2017-01-01

In this paper, first, the existing frequency and voltage amplitude restoration control strategies are reviewed. Moreover, the proposed second order washout filter control strategy is proposed to enhance the dynamic response under load disturbance. The physical parameter of the proposed method is ...

Thyroglobulin assay in fluids from lymph node fine needle-aspiration washout: influence of pre-analytical conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Casson, Florence Boux de; Moal, Valérie; Gauchez, Anne-Sophie; Moineau, Marie-Pierre; Sault, Corinne; Schlageter, Marie-Hélène; Massart, Catherine

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pre-analytical factors contributing to uncertainty in thyroglobulin measurement in fluids from fine-needle aspiration (FNA) washout of cervical lymph nodes. We studied pre-analytical stability, in different conditions, of 41 samples prepared with concentrated solutions of thyroglobulin (FNA washout or certified standard) diluted in physiological saline solution or buffer containing 6% albumin. In this buffer, over time, no changes in thyroglobulin concentrations were observed in all storage conditions tested. In albumin free saline solution, thyroglobulin recovery rates depended on initial sample concentrations and on modalities of their conservation (in conventional storage tubes, recovery mean was 56% after 3 hours-storage at room temperature and 19% after 24 hours-storage for concentrations ranged from 2 to 183 μg/L; recovery was 95%, after 3 hours or 24 hours-storage at room temperature, for a concentration of 5,656 μg/L). We show here that these results are due to non-specific adsorption of thyroglobulin in storage tubes, which depends on sample protein concentrations. We also show that possible contamination of fluids from FNA washout by plasma proteins do not always adequately prevent this adsorption. In conclusion, non-specific adsorption in storage tubes strongly contributes to uncertainty in thyroglobulin measurement in physiological saline solution. It is therefore recommended, for FNA washout, to use a buffer containing proteins provided by the laboratory.

Assessment of myocardial washout of Tc-99m-sestamibi in patients with chronic heart failure. Comparison with normal control

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumita, Shin-ichiro; Seino, Yoshihiko; Cho, Keiichi; Nakajo, Hidenobu; Toba, Masahiro; Fukushima, Yoshimitsu; Takano, Teruo; Kumazaki, Tatsuo [Nippon Medical School, Tokyo (Japan); Okamoto, Noriake [Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Tokyo (Japan)

2002-06-01

In contrast to {sup 201}TlCl, {sup 99m}Tc-sestamibi shows very slow myocardial clearance after its initial myocardial uptake. In the present study, myocardial washout of {sup 99m}Tc-sestamibi was calculated in patients with non-ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF) and compared with biventricular parameters obtained from first-pass and ECG-gated myocardial perfusion SPECT data. After administration of {sup 99m}Tc-sestamibi, 25 patients with CHF and 8 normal controls (NC) were examined by ECG-gated myocardial perfusion SPECT and planar data acquisition in the early and delayed (interval of 3 hours) phase. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, %), peak filling rate (PFR, sec{sup -1}), end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, ml) and end-systolic volume (LVESV, ml) were automatically calculated from the ECG-gated SPECT data. Myocardial washout rates over 3 hours were calculated from the early and delayed planar images. Myocardial washout rates in the CHF group (39.6{+-}5.2%) were significantly higher than those in the NC group (31.2{+-}5.5%, p<0.01). The myocardial washout rates for the 33 subjects showed significant correlations with LVEF (r=-0.61, p<0.001), PFR (r=-0.47, p<0.01), LVEDV (r=0.45, p<0.01) and LVESV (r=0.48, p<0.01). The myocardial washout rate of {sup 99m}Tc-sestamibi is considered to be a novel marker for the diagnosis of myocardial damage in patients with chronic heart failure. (author)

Enhanced washout of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: quantitative comparisons with regional 123I-BMIPP uptake and wall thickness determined by MRI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thet-Thet-Lwin, Tohoru; Takeda, Jin; Wu, Yuko; Fumikura, Keiji; Iida, Satoru; Kawano, Iwao; Yamaguchi, Yuji; Itai

2003-01-01

The diagnostic value of technetium-99m tetrofosmin (TF) washout in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was examined by investigating its relation to the metabolic abnormality depicted by iodine-123 β-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) uptake and the left ventricular (LV) myocardial wall thickness as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). TF washout was evaluated in 31 patients with HCM and 23 normal control subjects using 30-min (early) and 3-h (delayed) TF single-photon emission tomography images. The LV myocardial wall was divided into 19 segments and the percentage TF washout, regional BMIPP uptake and LV wall thickness were measured in each segment. Mean TF washout in the patients with HCM was significantly faster than that in normal control subjects (23.7±5.7 vs 13.4±4.1, P<0.0001). In the patients with HCM, TF washout showed an excellent correlation with MRI wall thickness (r=0.82, P<0.0001) and a good inverse correlation with regional BMIPP uptake (r=-0.72, P<0.0001). In addition, a good linear correlation was observed between TF uptake and MRI wall thickness in the 19 regional segments. In conclusion, the degree of TF washout corresponds well with the severity of myocardial wall thickness and the degree of metabolic abnormality in patients with HCM. These results suggest that enhanced TF washout might provide additional clinical information regarding metabolic alterations in HCM. (orig.)

Enhanced washout of 99mTc-tetrofosmin in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: quantitative comparisons with regional 123I-BMIPP uptake and wall thickness determined by MRI.

Science.gov (United States)

Thet-Thet-Lwin; Takeda, Tohoru; Wu, Jin; Fumikura, Yuko; Iida, Keiji; Kawano, Satoru; Yamaguchi, Iwao; Itai, Yuji

2003-07-01

The diagnostic value of technetium-99m tetrofosmin (TF) washout in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was examined by investigating its relation to the metabolic abnormality depicted by iodine-123 beta-methyl- p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) uptake and the left ventricular (LV) myocardial wall thickness as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). TF washout was evaluated in 31 patients with HCM and 23 normal control subjects using 30-min (early) and 3-h (delayed) TF single-photon emission tomography images. The LV myocardial wall was divided into 19 segments and the percentage TF washout, regional BMIPP uptake and LV wall thickness were measured in each segment. Mean TF washout in the patients with HCM was significantly faster than that in normal control subjects (23.7+/-5.7 vs 13.4+/-4.1, P<0.0001). In the patients with HCM, TF washout showed an excellent correlation with MRI wall thickness ( r=0.82, P<0.0001) and a good inverse correlation with regional BMIPP uptake ( r=-0.72, P<0.0001). In addition, a good linear correlation was observed between TF uptake and MRI wall thickness in the 19 regional segments. In conclusion, the degree of TF washout corresponds well with the severity of myocardial wall thickness and the degree of metabolic abnormality in patients with HCM. These results suggest that enhanced TF washout might provide additional clinical information regarding metabolic alterations in HCM.

Field measurements of the washout coefficient for gaseous iodine likely to be released on accidental conditions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caput, C.; Camus, H.; Gauthier, D.; Belot, Y.

1992-01-01

Field experiments were performed in Brittany to assess the washout coefficient Λ for molecular iodine. During each run, a few grams of nonradioactive iodine were released from a 12 meters telescopic mast, and the rain was sampled at a short distance downwind along complete transversal sections of the plume. The amount of iodine in each sample was determined by ionic chromatography to calculate the washout coefficient. In most cases, the results obtained (a few 10 -5 s -1 ) are not so different as expected from the theoretical values assuming a complete solubility of iodine in rain water. 4 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab

Bacterial Selection during the Formation of Early-Stage Aerobic Granules in Wastewater Treatment Systems Operated Under Wash-Out Dynamics

OpenAIRE

Weissbrodt, David G.; Lochmatter, Samuel; Ebrahimi, Sirous; Rossi, Pierre; Maillard, Julien; Holliger, Christof

2012-01-01

Aerobic granular sludge is attractive for high-rate biological wastewater treatment. Biomass wash-out conditions stimulate the formation of aerobic granules. Deteriorated performances in biomass settling and nutrient removal during start-up have however often been reported. The effect of wash-out dynamics was investigated on bacterial selection, biomass settling behavior, and metabolic activities during the formation of early-stage granules from activated sludge of two wastewater treatment pl...

The utility of fractional wash-out slope values following intravenous 133Xe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Durak, H.; Bekdik, C.F.; Ulutuncel, N.

1991-01-01

The regional clearance of 133 Xe from the lungs after intravenous administration as well as following rebreathing was assessed in 7 normals and 18 patients with various lung disorders. Each lung was divided into three zones as upper, middle and lower. Regional ventilation (V) and regional perfusion (P) were determined using the area under the first peak at the beginning of the ventilation study and the area under the peak after intravenous administration, respectively. Slopes were calculated using the first exponential of the wash-out curve. Absolute slope values of the wash-out curves after perfusion (Pwo) and ventilation (Vwo) were expressed as a percentage of the total for each lung. Correlation coefficients between V and Vwo, V and Pwo, P and Pwo were .695, .584 and .882 in normals and .610, .461 and .685 in patients, respectively. It is concluded that Pwo is influenced by both perfusion and ventilation; it may reflect the fractional contribution to the gas exchange and can be used in the prediction of residual lung function after lung resection. (orig.) [de

Early detection of drillstring washouts reduces fishing jobs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dudleson, B. (Dubai Petroleum Co. (FR)); Arnold, M.; McCann, D. (Sedco Forex (FR))

1990-10-01

Rapid detection of unexpected drilling events requires continuous monitoring of drilling parameters. A major R and D program by a drilling contractor has led to the introduction of a computerized monitoring system on its offshore rigs. System includes advanced color graphics displays and new smart alarms to help both contractor and operator personnel detect and observe drilling events before they would normally be apparent with conventional rig instrumentation. This article describes a module of this monitoring system, which uses expert system technology to detect the earliest stages of drillstring washouts. Field results demonstrate the effectiveness of the smart alarm incorporated in the system. Early detection allows the driller to react before a twist-off results in expensive fishing operations.

Intrinsic washout rates of thallium-201 in normal and ischemic myocardium after dipyridamole-induced vasodilation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beller, G.A.; Holzgrefe, H.H.; Watson, D.D.

1985-01-01

Infusion of dipyridamole has been suggested as an alternative to exercise stress for myocardial perfusion imaging for detection of ischemia, but the mechanism and significance of thallium-201 ( 201 Tl) redistribution after administration of dipyridamole are uncertain. If disparate intrinsic cellular efflux rates of 201 Tl from normal and relatively underperfused myocardium in response to dipyridamole-induced vasodilation were observed, this could explain delayed 201 Tl redistribution. We investigated the effect of an intravenous infusion of 0.15 mg/kg dipyridamole on the intrinsic myocardial washout rate of 201 Tl as measured with a gamma-detector probe after intracoronary injection (50 muCi) of the radionuclide in open-chested anesthetized dogs. In six normal dogs the t 1/2 for intrinsic 201 Tl washout from the myocardium was 89 +/- 11 min (SE) at control conditions and became more rapid at 59 +/- 10 min (p . .0001) after dipyridamole. This corresponded to a significant increase in microsphere-determined epicardial (0.95 +/- 0.11 to 2.23 +/- 0.46 ml/min/g; p . .01) and endocardial (0.86 +/- 0.10 to 1.53 +/- 0.27; p . .029) flows. In 12 dogs with a critical coronary stenosis, the 201 Tl intrinsic washout rate slowed from 70 +/- 5 to 104 +/- 6 min (p . .0001) after production of the stenosis and slowed even further to 169 +/- 21 min (p . .003) after dipyridamole

Enhanced washout of {sup 99m}Tc-tetrofosmin in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: quantitative comparisons with regional {sup 123}I-BMIPP uptake and wall thickness determined by MRI

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thet-Thet-Lwin, Tohoru; Takeda, Jin; Wu, Yuko; Fumikura, Keiji; Iida, Satoru; Kawano, Iwao; Yamaguchi, Yuji; Itai [Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, 305-8575, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken (Japan)

2003-07-01

The diagnostic value of technetium-99m tetrofosmin (TF) washout in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was examined by investigating its relation to the metabolic abnormality depicted by iodine-123 {beta}-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) uptake and the left ventricular (LV) myocardial wall thickness as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). TF washout was evaluated in 31 patients with HCM and 23 normal control subjects using 30-min (early) and 3-h (delayed) TF single-photon emission tomography images. The LV myocardial wall was divided into 19 segments and the percentage TF washout, regional BMIPP uptake and LV wall thickness were measured in each segment. Mean TF washout in the patients with HCM was significantly faster than that in normal control subjects (23.7{+-}5.7 vs 13.4{+-}4.1, P<0.0001). In the patients with HCM, TF washout showed an excellent correlation with MRI wall thickness (r=0.82, P<0.0001) and a good inverse correlation with regional BMIPP uptake (r=-0.72, P<0.0001). In addition, a good linear correlation was observed between TF uptake and MRI wall thickness in the 19 regional segments. In conclusion, the degree of TF washout corresponds well with the severity of myocardial wall thickness and the degree of metabolic abnormality in patients with HCM. These results suggest that enhanced TF washout might provide additional clinical information regarding metabolic alterations in HCM. (orig.)

A significance of the washout of 123I-BMIPP in patients with vasospastic angina

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukumitsu, Nobuyoshi; Kawai Mie; Nagata, Masako; Uchiyama, Mayuki; Mori, Yutaka

1999-01-01

We investigated the washout of 123 I-BMIPP from early and delayed SPECT in 28 patients with vasospastic angina from the standpoint of the intervals from the last angina attack. We divided myocardial wall into 13 segments from the early and delayed SPECT, and visually classified into four grades of defect score ranged from 0 (normal) to 3 (severe defect). Early and delayed severity scores were calculated as a total of defect scores in 3 vessel territories, and washout scores (WS) as (delayed severity score early severity score)/ number of segments. WS of the group within 1 month from last angina attack was compared with the groups more than 1 month. In the territory of the right coronary artery, the group within 1 month showed significantly higher WS than groups more than 1 month (p 123 I-BMIPP may reflect the clinical course of vasospastic angina. (author)

Free thyroxine in needle washout after fine needle aspiration biopsy of toxic thyroid nodules.

Science.gov (United States)

Raikov, Nikolai; Nonchev, Boyan; Chaushev, Borislav; Vjagova, Diyana; Todorov, Svetoslav; Bocheva, Yana; Malceva, Daniela; Vicheva, Snejinka; Raikova, Asyia; Argatska, Antoaneta; Raikov, Miroslav

2016-01-01

The main diagnostic tool for toxic adenomas (TA) is radionuclide imaging indicated in patients with evidence of thyroid nodules in combination with thyrotoxic syndrome. Thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are widely used for the valuation of thyroid masses. There is no literature data concerning the utility of FNAB and related tests for the diagnosis of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of free thyroxine (FT4) in the needle washout after FNAB of hot thyroid nodules. The results of our study show that the FT4 levels in needle washout from TA were significantly higher than the surrounding parenchyma and correlated with the hormonal changes in patients with thyroid hyperfunctioning nodules. Further studies on a large number of patients are needed to refine the diagnostic value of this method and evaluate its importance in quantitative risk assessment of thyroid autonomy.

A kinesthetic washout filter for force-feedback rendering.

Science.gov (United States)

Danieau, Fabien; Lecuyer, Anatole; Guillotel, Philippe; Fleureau, Julien; Mollet, Nicolas; Christie, Marc

2015-01-01

Today haptic feedback can be designed and associated to audiovisual content (haptic-audiovisuals or HAV). Although there are multiple means to create individual haptic effects, the issue of how to properly adapt such effects on force-feedback devices has not been addressed and is mostly a manual endeavor. We propose a new approach for the haptic rendering of HAV, based on a washout filter for force-feedback devices. A body model and an inverse kinematics algorithm simulate the user's kinesthetic perception. Then, the haptic rendering is adapted in order to handle transitions between haptic effects and to optimize the amplitude of effects regarding the device capabilities. Results of a user study show that this new haptic rendering can successfully improve the HAV experience.

Evaluation of pulmonary gas distribution by the sup 133 Xe washout curve

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sato, Masao; Katsuragawa, Shigehiko [Iwate Medical Univ., Morioka (Japan). School of Medicine (Japan)

1989-10-01

The pulmonary mixing index (PMI) and DeltaN{sup 2} derived from an N{sup 2} washout curve by the multiple-breath method, and the K{sub 1}/K{sub 4} ratio (K{sub 1}, K{sub 4} are the rate constant of washout obtained from the fast space and slow space, respectively) derived from regional {sup 133}Xe washout curves were evaluated in 12 healthy subjects and 22 subjects with pulmonary disease, who included 12 subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 5 subjects with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and 5 subjects with bronchial asthma (BA). The results were as follows: (1) PMI was 0.68{plus minus}0.31% (mean{plus minus}SD) in the PF group, 1.34{plus minus}0.40% in the BA group and 8.63{plus minus}5.01% in the COPD group. The DeltaN{sub 2} was 0.20{plus minus}0.11%, 0.64{plus minus}0.24% and 5.96{plus minus}4.21%, respectively. (2) The K{sub 1}/K{sub 4} ratio in the right lung was linearly correlated with that of the left lung (r=0.84, p<0.001). (3) The regional K{sub 1}/K{sub 4} ratio (mean{plus minus}SE) in healthy subjects was lowest in the basal region of the right lung. (4) The regional gas distribution score (RGDS) derived from the regional K{sub 1}/K{sub 4} ratios was 18.8{plus minus}0.9 (mean{plus minus}SE) in the healthy 12 subjects, 19.0{plus minus}1.2 in the PF group, 11.8{plus minus}1.8 in the BA group and 6.5{plus minus}0.6 in the COPD group. It was concluded that RGDS was more sensitive and useful parameter than PMI and DeltaN{sub 2} for detecting the disturbance of pulmonary gas distribution. (author).

Sustainability of a Compartmentalized Host-Parasite Replicator System under Periodic Washout-Mixing Cycles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Taro Furubayashi

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The emergence and dominance of parasitic replicators are among the major hurdles for the proliferation of primitive replicators. Compartmentalization of replicators is proposed to relieve the parasite dominance; however, it remains unclear under what conditions simple compartmentalization uncoupled with internal reaction secures the long-term survival of a population of primitive replicators against incessant parasite emergence. Here, we investigate the sustainability of a compartmentalized host-parasite replicator (CHPR system undergoing periodic washout-mixing cycles, by constructing a mathematical model and performing extensive simulations. We describe sustainable landscapes of the CHPR system in the parameter space and elucidate the mechanism of phase transitions between sustainable and extinct regions. Our findings revealed that a large population size of compartments, a high mixing intensity, and a modest amount of nutrients are important factors for the robust survival of replicators. We also found two distinctive sustainable phases with different mixing intensities. These results suggest that a population of simple host–parasite replicators assumed before the origin of life can be sustained by a simple compartmentalization with periodic washout-mixing processes.

Washout ratio of NaCl particles by raindrops, snowflakes and fog particles obtained using the large artificial climate experiment chamber at ACEF in IES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawabata, Hitoshi; Kondo, Kunio; Hasegawa, Hidenao; Akata, Naofumi; Chikuchi, Yuki; Hisamatsu, Shun'ichi; Inaba, Jiro; Komagata, Yuuetsu

2007-01-01

Scavenging of NaCl particles by rainfall, snowfall and fog was examined in a large artificial climate experiment chamber in which the meteorological elements were controlled. The scavenging coefficient of Na by rainfall and snowfall were obtained using Na concentrations in air and precipitation. The washout ratio of Na by fog was also measured using Na concentrations in air and fog water. The scavenging coefficients by snowfall were found to be larger than those by rainfall, and showed that the removal efficiency of the former was higher than that of the latter. The coefficients by both rainfall and snowfall increased linearly with precipitation intensity. When the average diameters of fog droplets were the same, the washout ratio of Na by fog increased with fog liquid water content. On the other hand, when liquid water contents were the same, the washout ratio decreased with increasing average diameter of fog droplets. The washout ratio of Na by fog exponentially increased with the total surface area of fog droplets. (author)

Pharmacokinetic model of myocardial 99mTc-sestamibi washout

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watanabe, Tsubasa; Monzen, Hajime; Mizowaki, Takashi; Hiraoka, Masahiro; Hara, Masatake

2013-01-01

Technetium-99m sestamibi ( 99m Tc-MIBI) scintigraphy has been reported to be a functional imaging tool for in vivo detection of mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardium and multidrug resistance-associated protein expression in tumors. The purpose of this study was to propose a clinically applicable pharmacokinetic model with metabolic equilibrium of 99m Tc-MIBI and to evaluate the accuracy of the model. For this study, eight healthy men received 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy. The planar images were obtained at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h after 99m Tc-MIBI injection. The measured time series 99m Tc-MIBI counts were fitted to our model by nonlinear regression analysis. The predictive performance of the model was determined by comparing the residuals between measured and predicted values. We obtained a good regression by fitting data from 0.25 to 6 h after 99m Tc-MIBI injection, with excellent correlation between measured and predicted 99m Tc-MIBI counts (R 2 =0.9792) and a slope near unity. The 95% confidence interval of the mean prediction error included 0, which means that the prediction was not significantly biased. The precision of the prediction was also excellent. Our model shows good predictive capacity, with favorable bias and accuracy. By comparing the predictive values of this model with measured values, mitochondrial 99m Tc-MIBI washout can be quantified. 99m Tc-MIBI washout rates are reported to be a promising method for evaluating cardiac function in patients with cardiac diseases and P-glycoprotein expression in tumor cells. Therefore, this quantification could be useful for mitochondrial functional imaging, especially in patients with cardiac diseases or tumors. (author)

Myocardial 99mTc-sestamibi extraction and washout in hypertensive heart failure using an isolated rat heart

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukushima, Kenji; Momose, Mitsuru; Kondo, Chisato; Higuchi, Takahiro; Kusakabe, Kiyoko; Hagiwara, Nobuhisa

2010-01-01

Purpose: Myocardial mitochondria are the primary part of energy production for healthy cardiac contraction. And mitochondrial dysfunction would play an important role in progressive heart failure. In the recent years, myocardial washout of 99m Tc-sestamibi [( 99m Tc-hexakis-2-methoxy-2-methylpropyl isonitrile (MIBI)] has been introduced to be a potential marker in patients with heart failure. The objective of this study was to clarify MIBI extraction and washout kinetics using isolated perfusion system in hypertension induced model of myocardial dysfunction. Methods: Six-week-old Dahl-salt sensitive rats, allotted to 4 groups; a 5-week high-salt group (5wk-HS), 12-week high-salt group (12wk-HS) and two age-matched, low-salt diet control groups (5wk-LS and 12wk-LS). The rats in 5wk-HS and 12wk-HS groups were fed a high-salt diet (containing 8% NaCl). Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography before removing heart. Hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff method at a constant flow rate, in which 20-min MIBI washin was conducted followed by 25-min MIBI washout. Whole heart radioactivity was collected every sec by an external gamma detector. The myocardial extraction, K 1 (ml/min) and washout rate, k 2 (min -1 ) were generated. Results: High-salt diet groups showed significant high-blood pressure. Echocardiography revealed thickened LV walls in 5wk-HS, and reduced cardiac function in 12wk-HS, compared to each age-matched control group. K 1 showed no significant difference among all groups (5wk-HS: 2.36±1.07, 5wk-control: 2.59±0.28, 12wk-HS: 1.91±0.90, and 12wk-control: 2.84±0.57). k 2 in 5wk-HS was comparable to that in the age matched control group (0.00030±0.00039 vs -0.000010±0.00044), but it was increased remarkably in 18wk-HS compared to the age matched control group (0.0025±0.0011 vs 0.000025±0.000041, P<.01), and 5wk-HS (P<.01). Conclusion: In the course of hypertensive heart disease, MIBI washout was increased in the transitional state

Contribution to the study of gaseous molecular iodine washout by natural rains

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fournier-Bidoz, V.

1991-01-01

This study is part of researches about nuclear accident prediction consequences on the environment. It concerns transfering of molecular gaseous iodine into liquids and especially precipitation scavenging below the cloud (washout). Bibliographic data directly concerned with this study (iodine's aqueous chemistry, aqueous to gaseous phases transfer) and also with its global frame-work (atmospheric release from a nuclear reactor in accidental situation and the behaviour of atmospheric iodine) are presented. Several experimental approaches have been performed in laboratory and on field. An aqueous to gaseous phase transfer simulator allowed us to isolate parameters involved in absorption and desorption of the halogen. Field experiments permit to quantify dry deposition on different solutions and to get a better insight of the phenomenon. Extrapolation of the whole results to precipitation scavenging of gaseous iodine I 2 by natural rains suggests that the process is an irreversible one. Washout rate values acquired during rainy experiments with molecular iodine emission or in a laboratory rainfall simulator agree with literatures data relative to irreversibility. However and even if reversibility was efficient it was not possible to clearly exhibit it according to experimental conditions. Moreover, the analytical iodine method which leads to a good experimental study has been presented

Predictive value of cardiac autonomic indexes and MIBG washout in ICD recipients with mild to moderate heart failure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koutelou, M.; Katsikis, A.; Livanis, E.; Georgiadis, M.; Voudris, V.; Flevari, P.; Kremastinos, D.; Theodorakis, G.

2009-01-01

We aimed at evaluating the combined use of heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging in the risk stratification for sudden cardiac death (SCD) of patients with mild to moderate heart failure. Twenty-five patients (17 male and 8 female, mean age 63±5 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 36±3%) with a recently implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and mild (NYHA I-II) heart failure due to either ischemic (n=15) or dilated (n=10) cardiomyopathy were studied. One week after ICD implantation they underwent baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) evaluation to bolus phenylephrine by the Oxford method, 24-h heart rate variability (HRV) assessment, and MIBG imaging. The mean patient follow-up was 32±10 months. Simple correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate if the number of sustained ventricular tachycardia (cycle length <330 ms) or fibrillation episodes per month is related to one or more of MIBG, BRS, and HRV indexes and if MIBG % washout is related to HRV and/or BRS. The frequency of fast ventricular arrhythmic episodes (FVAE) demonstrated an inverse relation to BRS (p<0.0001), rMSSD (p=0.001), and pNN50 (p=0.0034), while it was positively related to low frequency (LF) (p<0.0001) and MIBG % washout (p=0.001). BRS, LF, rMSSD, and MIBG washout were also independent predictors of FVAE. MIBG washout was related to only one HRV marker (SDNN-I, p<0.0001), while no correlation was observed with BRS. In ICD recipients with well-compensated heart failure, autonomic markers derived from BRS, HRV, and MIBG studies are related to FVAE. These markers have limited inter-dependency and constitute useful means for SCD risk stratification in this subgroup of patients. (author)

Determination of the subcutaneous tissue to blood partition coefficient in patients with severe leg ischaemia by a double isotope washout technique

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bjerre-Jepsen, K; Faris, I; Henriksen, O

1982-01-01

Knowledge of the tissue to blood partition coefficient (lambda) is essential for calculation of the perfusion coefficient in a single tissue based on measurements of the washout of locally injected isotopes. No measurements of lambda for Xenon in subcutaneous tissue in the leg have been done...... in patients with occlusive arterial disease. In 12 patients with occlusive arterial disease in the legs lambda for Xenon was determined in subcutaneous tissue in the calf region and foot as the ratio between the washout rate constant of 131I-Antipyrine and 133Xe. A mixture of the two indicators was injected....... Mean value was 3.7 ml X g-1 (range: 1 X 7-10 X 7) in the calf and 2 X 7 ml X g-1 (range: 1 X 2-4 X 9) in the foot. It is concluded that lambda measurements are necessary for determination of subcutaneous blood flow from 133Xe washout curves in these patients. Determination of lambda is especially...

Preschool Multiple-Breath Washout Testing. An Official American Thoracic Society Technical Statement.

Science.gov (United States)

Robinson, Paul D; Latzin, Philipp; Ramsey, Kathryn A; Stanojevic, Sanja; Aurora, Paul; Davis, Stephanie D; Gappa, Monika; Hall, Graham L; Horsley, Alex; Jensen, Renee; Lum, Sooky; Milla, Carlos; Nielsen, Kim G; Pittman, Jessica E; Rosenfeld, Margaret; Singer, Florian; Subbarao, Padmaja; Gustafsson, Per M; Ratjen, Felix

2018-03-01

Obstructive airway disease is nonuniformly distributed throughout the bronchial tree, although the extent to which this occurs can vary among conditions. The multiple-breath washout (MBW) test offers important insights into pediatric lung disease, not available through spirometry or resistance measurements. The European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society inert gas washout consensus statement led to the emergence of validated commercial equipment for the age group 6 years and above; specific recommendations for preschool children were beyond the scope of the document. Subsequently, the focus has shifted to MBW applications within preschool subjects (aged 2-6 yr), where a "window of opportunity" exists for early diagnosis of obstructive lung disease and intervention. This preschool-specific technical standards document was developed by an international group of experts, with expertise in both custom-built and commercial MBW equipment. A comprehensive review of published evidence was performed. Recommendations were devised across areas that place specific age-related demands on MBW systems. Citing evidence where available in the literature, recommendations are made regarding procedures that should be used to achieve robust MBW results in the preschool age range. The present work also highlights the important unanswered questions that need to be addressed in future work. Consensus recommendations are outlined to direct interested groups of manufacturers, researchers, and clinicians in preschool device design, test performance, and data analysis for the MBW technique.

Multiple breath washout analysis in infants: quality assessment and recommendations for improvement.

Science.gov (United States)

Anagnostopoulou, Pinelopi; Egger, Barbara; Lurà, Marco; Usemann, Jakob; Schmidt, Anne; Gorlanova, Olga; Korten, Insa; Roos, Markus; Frey, Urs; Latzin, Philipp

2016-03-01

Infant multiple breath washout (MBW) testing serves as a primary outcome in clinical studies. However, it is still unknown whether current software algorithms allow between-centre comparisons. In this study of healthy infants, we quantified MBW measurement errors and tried to improve data quality by simply changing software settings. We analyzed best quality MBW measurements performed with an ultrasonic flowmeter in 24 infants from two centres in Switzerland with the current software settings. To challenge the robustness of these settings, we also used alternative analysis approaches. Using the current analysis software, the coefficient of variation (CV) for functional residual capacity (FRC) differed significantly between centres (mean  ±  SD (%): 9.8  ±  5.6 and 5.8  ±  2.9, respectively, p  =  0.039). In addition, FRC values calculated during the washout differed between  -25 and  +30% from those of the washin of the same tracing. Results were mainly influenced by analysis settings and temperature recordings. Changing few algorithms resulted in significantly more robust analysis. Non-systematic inter-centre differences can be reduced by using correctly recorded environmental data and simple changes in the software algorithms. We provide implications that greatly improve infant MBW outcomes' quality and can be applied when multicentre trials are conducted.

Myocardial {sup 99m}Tc-sestamibi extraction and washout in hypertensive heart failure using an isolated rat heart

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fukushima, Kenji [Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Women' s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666 (Japan); Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (United States); Momose, Mitsuru, E-mail: mmomose@rad.twmu.ac.j [Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Women' s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666 (Japan); Kondo, Chisato [Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Women' s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666 (Japan); Higuchi, Takahiro [Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (United States); Kusakabe, Kiyoko [Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Tokyo Women' s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666 (Japan); Hagiwara, Nobuhisa [Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Women' s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666 (Japan)

2010-11-15

Purpose: Myocardial mitochondria are the primary part of energy production for healthy cardiac contraction. And mitochondrial dysfunction would play an important role in progressive heart failure. In the recent years, myocardial washout of {sup 99m}Tc-sestamibi [({sup 99m}Tc-hexakis-2-methoxy-2-methylpropyl isonitrile (MIBI)] has been introduced to be a potential marker in patients with heart failure. The objective of this study was to clarify MIBI extraction and washout kinetics using isolated perfusion system in hypertension induced model of myocardial dysfunction. Methods: Six-week-old Dahl-salt sensitive rats, allotted to 4 groups; a 5-week high-salt group (5wk-HS), 12-week high-salt group (12wk-HS) and two age-matched, low-salt diet control groups (5wk-LS and 12wk-LS). The rats in 5wk-HS and 12wk-HS groups were fed a high-salt diet (containing 8% NaCl). Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography before removing heart. Hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff method at a constant flow rate, in which 20-min MIBI washin was conducted followed by 25-min MIBI washout. Whole heart radioactivity was collected every sec by an external gamma detector. The myocardial extraction, K{sub 1} (ml/min) and washout rate, k{sub 2} (min{sup -1}) were generated. Results: High-salt diet groups showed significant high-blood pressure. Echocardiography revealed thickened LV walls in 5wk-HS, and reduced cardiac function in 12wk-HS, compared to each age-matched control group. K{sub 1} showed no significant difference among all groups (5wk-HS: 2.36{+-}1.07, 5wk-control: 2.59{+-}0.28, 12wk-HS: 1.91{+-}0.90, and 12wk-control: 2.84{+-}0.57). k{sub 2} in 5wk-HS was comparable to that in the age matched control group (0.00030{+-}0.00039 vs -0.000010{+-}0.00044), but it was increased remarkably in 18wk-HS compared to the age matched control group (0.0025{+-}0.0011 vs 0.000025{+-}0.000041, P<.01), and 5wk-HS (P<.01). Conclusion: In the course of hypertensive heart disease, MIBI

Mucosal/submucosal blood flow in the small intestine in pigs determined by local washout of 133Xe and microsphere techniques

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mortensen, Peter; Olsen, J; Sejrsen, P

1990-01-01

In 11 anaesthetized pigs a laparotomy was performed and the mucosal and submucosal blood flow rate in the small intestine of the pig was determined by a local application of 133Xe and by 6.5-microns radioactive microspheres. The 133Xe washout plotted in a semilogarithmic diagram showed a multiexp......In 11 anaesthetized pigs a laparotomy was performed and the mucosal and submucosal blood flow rate in the small intestine of the pig was determined by a local application of 133Xe and by 6.5-microns radioactive microspheres. The 133Xe washout plotted in a semilogarithmic diagram showed...

Heat-washout measurements compared to distal blood pressure and perfusion in orthopaedic patients with foot ulcers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Midttun, M; Azad, B B S; Broholm, R

2015-01-01

Distal blood pressure and local skin perfusion pressure were compared to measurement of blood flow rate (BFR) measured by the heat-washout method in orthopaedic patients with and without diabetes, all with a foot ulcer in one foot, compared to healthy controls. The correlation was good between heat......-washout and distal blood pressure in patients with diabetes with and without an ulcer (P = 0·024 and 0·059, respectively). The correlation was weak in patients without diabetes with and without an ulcer, most probably due to power problems (P = 0·118 and 0·116, respectively). The correlation in the healthy controls...... the surrounding tissue, and therefore, measurements are easier made in these subjects. BFR in the first toe increased significantly in all patients when the foot was moved from heart level to 50 cm below heart level (P = between 0·03 and 0·05) as previously seen in patients with claudication...

Clinical implications of diffuse slow washout of thallium-201 in exercise stress myocardial SPECT

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Narita, Michihiro; Kurihara, Tadashi; Murano, Kenichi; Usami, Masahisa; Honda, Minoru (Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka (Japan))

1991-07-01

Clinical implications of diffuse slow washout of thallium-201 (DSWO) in exercise-redistribution myocardial SPECT were studied. Thallium-201 washout rate was calculated by Bull's-eye method. DSWO was defined as having abnormal thallium-201 washout rate (<30% per 3 hours) in more than two thirds of each coronary artery (CA) area. Of 974 patients whose exercise heart rate exceeded 120/min, 51 (5.2%) showed DSWO and coronary angiography was performed in 43. Twenty-three patients (53%) showed triple vessel disease (3VD), 8 (19%) showed single or double vessel disease (1VD/2VD) and 12 (28%) showed normal CA. Patients with normal CA consisted of 6 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 5 with hypertension (HT) and one with electrocardiographic abnormality only. The cause of DSWO were assessed from the history of effort angina (EA) and congestive heart failure (CHF), delayed fill-in of the perfusion defect and the ratio of lung to heart thallium-201 activity (L/M) at exercise as an indicator of the left ventricular (LV) function. High prevalence of EA (74%), high incidence of scintigraphic delayed fill-in (83%) and normal L/M suggested diffuse LV ischemia as the cause of DSWO in 3VD. On the other hand in patients with 1VD/2VD, LV dysfunction at exercise was considered as the cause of DSWO because of low prevalence of EA (13%) and scintigraphic delayed fill-in (13%)(p<0.01, p<0.005 each vs 3VD), and high L/M (p<0.001 vs 3VD) and high prevalence of CHF (38%, NS). In patients with HCM LV ischemia at small vessel levels was assumed as the cause of DSWO from the high incidence of EA (83%) and delayed fill-in (50%), low L/M and normal CA. In cases of HTLV dysfunction and/or LV ischemia at the small vessel levels were considered as the cause of DSWO. Thus, it was concluded that DSWO is a noteworthy finding in exercise stress myocardial imaging. (author).

Accumulation of Tc-99m-MIBI and Tc-99m-tetrofosmin in tumor cells. Uptake and washout studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodrigues, M.; Aghajanian, A.A.; Sinzinger, H.; Kalinowska, W.; Zielinski, C.

2002-01-01

Aim: To investigate in-vitro the uptake and washout of Tc-99m-MIBI and Tc-99m-tetrofosmin in human breast adenocarcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma cell lines. Methods: The uptake of Tc-99m-MIBI and Tc-99m-tetrofosmin (at 37 0 C, 10, 30 and 60 minutes after incubation with 7.4x10E5 Bq each tracer) was investigated in breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells, synovial sarcoma SW 982 cells and chondrosarcoma SW 1353 cells (concentration of 1x10E6 cells/ml incubation medium). Tracer uptake in cells incubated with ouabain (Na/K-ATPase pump inhibitor; 100 μM and 1mM; 15 and 30 minutes), nigericin (increases mitochondrial potential and disrupts cell membrane potential; 5 and 50 μg/ml; 15 minutes) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) (depolarizes mitochondrial membrane; 10 and 100 μM; 30 minutes) was compared to that in cells without incubation with chemical agents (control cells). The washout (at 37 0 C, 10-60 minutes, 30 and 60 minutes after tracer incubation) of Tc-99m-MIBI and Tc-99m-tetrofosmin was studied in MCF-7 cells, SK-BR-3 cells , SW 1353 cells and fibrosarcoma SW 684 cells. Results: Cellular tracer uptake decreased with ouabain (decrease of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin > Tc-99m-MIBI in SK-BR-3 cells and SW 982 cells) and increased with nigericin (increase of Tc-99m-MIBI > Tc-99m-tetrofosmin in all cells) as compared to the uptake in control cells. With CCCP, decrease of Tc-99m-MIBI uptake in cells preincubated with nigericin was higher than that in cells under basal conditions, whereas a similar decrease of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin uptake in these two group of cells was found. Washout of Tc-99m-MIBI from all cells was lower than that of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin. No significant difference in cell-associated activity of both tracers was found between washout after 30 minutes and that after 60 minutes of incubation, in all cells. Washout of Tc-99m-MIBI from SK-BR-3 cells Tc-99m-tetrofosmin) and Na/K-ATPase pump (Tc-99m-tetrofosmin > Tc-99m-MIBI). Tc-99m-MIBI and

Compartment analysis of 125I-labelled albumin washout from coronary vessels of isolated perfused hearts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng Eap Ng; Seh-Hoon Song

1978-01-01

Albumin labelled with 125 I was used as a tracer to investigate the washout kinetics of plasma from the coronary circulation of isolated perfused feline hearts. Compartmentalization with experimental results showed at least two compartments. The model was compared with a three-compartment model found previously for red blood cells. The results indicate that there is a separation of plasma and RBC in the coronary microcirculation. (author)

Training in multiple breath washout testing for respiratory physiotherapists.

Science.gov (United States)

O'Neill, Katherine; Elborn, J Stuart; Tunney, Michael M; O'Neill, Philip; Rowan, Stephen; Martin, Susan; Bradley, Judy M

2018-03-01

The development of multiple breath washout (MBW) testing in respiratory disease highlights the need for increased awareness amongst respiratory physiotherapists and a potential opportunity for professional development in the use of an important outcome measure for clinical trials. To rationalise how MBW may be a useful assessment tool for respiratory physiotherapists and to describe a local MBW training and certification programme for physiotherapists. The respiratory Multidisciplinary Team in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) identified a need for MBW testing to be available to facilitate clinical research and assessment. A 2day training programme consisting of prereading preparation, self-directed learning, theory presentations, practical demonstrations and hands-on practice was developed and delivered. All participants underwent a certification process. We have demonstrated the successful training and certification of clinical and research physiotherapists and encourage other respiratory physiotherapists to consider MBW test training. Copyright © 2017 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prognostic value of the 99mTc-Isonitrile washout rate in neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, N. Jr.; Anselmi, C.E.; Foppa, M.; Batista, L.; Grobocopatel, D.; Hunsche, A.; Fernandes, D.; Berdichevski, E.; Madke, R.; Baptista, I.; Martini, J.; Obando, A.

2004-01-01

Full text: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the pre-surgical treatment of choice in patients with locally advanced breast tumor for better disease control and breast conservation. Resistance to chemotherapy may be seen in about 18%-51% of the cancers. The term multi drug resistance (MDR) is commonly used to indicate the expression of the transmembrane glycoprotein (P-glycoprotein). This protein removes some very important chemotherapeutic drugs from inside the cell and is responsible for the clinical manifestation of the MDR. The knowledge of MDR before the initiation of chemotherapy can help choosing the best treatment. 99mTc-Isonitrile is a radiotracer largely used in nuclear medicine. It enters cells, is identified by the P-glycoprotein as a substrate and is, therefore, expelled from the neoplastic cell. Various studies have demonstrated direct correlation between the 99mTc-Isonitrile efflux, P-glycoprotein expression and MDR. On the other hand, 99mTc-Isonitrile retention in the tumor suggests chemosensitivity. The objective of this study was to monitor the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer by the use of 99mTc-Sestamibi scintimammography and its washout rate in a pilot study. Five patients with locally advanced breast cancer were subjected to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Inclusion criteria were locally advanced tumor, biopsy results, no distant metastasis, and completion of the whole chemotherapy protocol. Exclusion criteria were any previous cancer treatment or other primary tumor. All the patients underwent 99mTc-Sestamibi scintimammography before and after completion of the chemotherapy protocol. For scintimammography, 740MBq of radiotracer was injected in the arm contra lateral to the side of lesion. Planar images were acquired at 10 and 240 minutes, in anterior supine position as well as in both lateral projections in prone position. Regions of interest of same size were drawn over the tumor and in the contra lateral breast to correct for

MDCT in the Differentiation of Adrenal Masses: Comparison between Different Scan Delays for the Evaluation of Intralesional Washout

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Giuseppe Angelelli

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose. To evaluate the accuracy of the washout in the differential diagnosis between adenomas and nonadenomas and to compare the obtained results in delayed CT scans at 5, 10 and 15 minutes. Methods. Fifty patients with adrenal masses were prospectively evaluated. CT scans were performed by using a 320-row MDCT device, before and after injection of contrast material. In 25 cases, delayed scans were performed at 5′ and 10′ (group 1, while in the remaining 25, at 5′ and 15′ (group 2. Absolute and relative wash-out percentage values (APW and RPW were calculated. Results. Differential diagnosis between adenomas and nonadenomas was obtained in 48/50 (96% cases, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 96%, 95%, and 96%, respectively. In group 1, APW and RPW values were, respectively, 69.8% and 67.2% at 5′ and 75.9% and 73.5% at 10′ for adenomas and 25.1% and 15.8% at 5′ and 33.5% and 20.5% at 10′ for nonadenomas. In group 2, APW and RPW values were 63% and 54.6% at 5′ and 73.8% and 65.5% at 15′ for adenomas and 22% and 12.5% at 5′ and 35.5% and 19.9% at 15′ for nonadenomas. Conclusions. The evaluation of the wash-out values in CT scans performed at 5′, 10′, and 15′ provides comparable diagnostic results. CT scans performed at 5′ are, therefore, to be preferred, since they reduce the examination time and patient discomfort.

Novel methodology to perform sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-based multiple-breath wash-in and washout in infants using current commercially available equipment.

Science.gov (United States)

Gustafsson, P M; Robinson, P D; Lindblad, A; Oberli, D

2016-11-01

Multiple-breath inert gas washout (MBW) is ideally suited for early detection and monitoring of serious lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis, in infants and young children. Validated commercial options for the MBW technique are limited, and suitability of nitrogen (N 2 )-based MBW is of concern given the detrimental effect of exposure to pure O 2 on infant breathing pattern. We propose novel methodology using commercially available N 2 MBW equipment to facilitate 4% sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) multiple-breath inert gas wash-in and washout suitable for the infant age range. CO 2 , O 2 , and sidestream molar mass sensor signals were used to accurately calculate SF 6 concentrations. An improved dynamic method for synchronization of gas and respiratory flow was developed to take into account variations in sidestream sample flow during MBW measurement. In vitro validation of triplicate functional residual capacity (FRC) assessments was undertaken under dry ambient conditions using lung models ranging from 90 to 267 ml, with tidal volumes of 28-79 ml, and respiratory rates 20-60 per minute. The relative mean (SD, 95% confidence interval) error of triplicate FRC determinations by washout was -0.26 (1.84, -3.86 to +3.35)% and by wash-in was 0.57 (2.66, -4.66 to +5.79)%. The standard deviations [mean (SD)] of percentage error among FRC triplicates were 1.40 (1.14) and 1.38 (1.32) for washout and wash-in, respectively. The novel methodology presented achieved FRC accuracy as outlined by current MBW consensus recommendations (95% of measurements within 5% accuracy). Further clinical evaluation is required, but this new technique, using existing commercially available equipment, has exciting potential for research and clinical use. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

[Development of a Computer-aided Diagnosis System to Distinguish between Benign and Malignant Mammary Tumors in Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Images: Automatic Detection of the Position with the Strongest Washout Effect in the Tumor].

Science.gov (United States)

Miyazaki, Yoshiaki; Tabata, Nobuyuki; Taroura, Tomomi; Shinozaki, Kenji; Kubo, Yuichiro; Tokunaga, Eriko; Taguchi, Kenichi

We propose a computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) system that uses time-intensity curves to distinguish between benign and malignant mammary tumors. Many malignant tumors show a washout pattern in time-intensity curves. Therefore, we designed a program that automatically detects the position with the strongest washout effect using the technique, such as the subtraction technique, which extracts only the washout area in the tumor, and by scanning data in 2×2 pixel region of interest (ROI). Operation of this independently developed program was verified using a phantom system that simulated tumors. In three cases of malignant tumors, the washout pattern detection rate in images with manually set ROI was ≤6%, whereas the detection rate with our novel method was 100%. In one case of a benign tumor, when the same method was used, we checked that there was no washout effect and detected the persistent pattern. Thus, the distinction between benign and malignant tumors using our method was completely consistent with the pathological diagnoses made. Our novel method is therefore effective for differentiating between benign and malignant mammary tumors in dynamic magnetic resonance images.

Renal haemodynamic in essential hypertension assessed by 133Xe washout and selective renal angiography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gatta, A.; Merkel, C.; Pessina, A.C.; Milani, L.; Sacerdoti, D.; Zuin, R.

1982-01-01

The renal and intrarenal haemodynamic pattern in 17 patients with essential hypertension of different severity and duration was studied by means of the 133-Xenon washout technique and the selective renal angiography. The mean and the cortical renal blood flows were on average significantly decreased as compared to the controls. A good agreement was found between the reduction in renal perfusion and the degree of vascular abnormalities as shown by angiography; on the contrary no correlation was found between the impairment in renal blood flow and the degree and/or duration of hypertension

Ventilation Inception and Washout, Scaling, and Effects on Hydrodynamic Performance of a Surface Piercing Strut

Science.gov (United States)

Harwood, Casey; Young, Yin Lu; Ceccio, Steven

2014-11-01

High-lift devices that operate at or near a fluid free surface (such as surface-piercing or shallowly-submerged propellers and hydrofoils) are prone to a multiphase flow phenomenon called ventilation, wherein non-condensable gas is entrained in the low-pressure flow, forming a cavity around the body and dramatically altering the global hydrodynamic forces. Experiments are being conducted at the University of Michigan's towing tank using a canonical surface-piercing strut to investigate atmospheric ventilation. The goals of the work are (i) to gain an understanding of the dominant physics in fully wetted, partially ventilated, and fully ventilated flow regimes, (ii) to quantify the effects of governing dimensionless parameters on the transition between flow regimes, and (iii) to develop scaling relations for the transition between flow regimes. Using theoretical arguments and flow visualization techniques, new criteria are developed for classifying flow regimes and transition mechanisms. Unsteady transition mechanisms are described and mapped as functions of the governing non-dimensional parameters. A theoretical scaling relationship is developed for ventilation washout, which is shown to adequately capture the experimentally-observed washout boundary. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Student Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE 1256260. Support also comes from the Naval Engineering Education Center (Award No. N65540-10-C-003).

Multiple-Breath Washout Outcomes Are Sensitive to Inflammation and Infection in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Ramsey, Kathryn A; Foong, Rachel E; Grdosic, Jasmine; Harper, Alana; Skoric, Billy; Clem, Charles; Davis, Miriam; Turkovic, Lidija; Stick, Stephen M; Davis, Stephanie D; Ranganathan, Sarath C; Hall, Graham L

2017-09-01

The lung clearance index is a measure of ventilation distribution derived from the multiple-breath washout technique. The lung clearance index is increased in the presence of lower respiratory tract inflammation and infection in infants with cystic fibrosis; however, the associations during the preschool years are unknown. We assessed the ability of the lung clearance index to detect the presence and extent of lower respiratory tract inflammation and infection in preschool children with cystic fibrosis. Ventilation distribution outcomes were assessed at 82 visits with 58 children with cystic fibrosis and at 38 visits with 31 healthy children aged 3-6 years. Children with cystic fibrosis also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection for detection of lower respiratory tract inflammation and infection. Associations between multiple-breath washout indices and the presence and extent of airway inflammation and infection were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Lung clearance index was elevated in children with cystic fibrosis (mean [SD], 8.00 [1.45]) compared with healthy control subjects (6.67 [0.56]). In cystic fibrosis, the lung clearance index was elevated in individuals with lower respiratory tract infections (difference compared with uninfected [95% confidence interval], 0.62 [0.06, 1.18]) and correlated with the extent of airway inflammation. These data suggest that the lung clearance index may be a useful surveillance tool for monitoring the presence and extent of lower airway inflammation and infection in preschool children with cystic fibrosis.

Clinical assessment of mean washout time and lung functional image by ventilatory steady state measurement with /sup 133/Xe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kimura, K; Hasegawa, T; Watanabe, H; Hasegawa, S; Oshima, M [Tsukuba Univ., Sakura, Ibaraki (Japan)

1981-04-01

Ventilatory steady state measurement with /sup 133/Xe, using Ventil-Con (Radx) and a large area scintillation camera (Searle, LFOV) combined with a mini-computer system (Shimadzu, Scintipac 230) was employed to evaluate regional pulmonary function of 94 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), fibrosis, carcinoma and other lung diseases. In the patients with COLD, mean washout times (anti t) were markedly prolonged in whole lung fields (anti m 130 +- 33 sec.) and ventilation indices (V*/V) (*: radical) and perfusion indices (Q*/V) (*: radical) were reduced in regional zones, especially in bilateral lower lung zones. For the patients with lung fibrosis, anti t values were short and the distribution of ventilation indices were uniform, and in contrast perfusion indices were reduced in the lower lung fields. In the area most affected by carcinoma, lung volumes (V) were reduced in parallel with the regional ventilation (V*) (*: radical) and perfusion (Q*) (*: radical). As the tumor approached the hilum, the relative ventilation and perfusion of cancerous side decreased remarkably in patients with obstructive findings on bronchoscopy. The mean washout times (anti t) for /sup 133/Xe, calculated by a modified height over area method without background subtraction, were significantly longer than indicated by the data yielded by the least squares curve fitting of initial washout curve after background subtraction. Although the accuracy of these data was limited, it appeared that the prolonged anti t is a good parameter of regional ventilatory disturbance because significant correlations were found between the whole lung anti t in patients with lung diseases and their FEV 1.0% r = -0.66, RV/TLC r = 0.64, % TLC r = 0.43, PaCO/sub 2/ r = 0.41, PaO/sub 2/ r = -0.35.

Bacterial selection during the formation of early-stage aerobic granules in wastewater treatment systems operated under wash-out dynamics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

David Gregory Weissbrodt

2012-09-01

Full Text Available Aerobic granular sludge is attractive for high-rate biological wastewater treatment. Biomass wash-out conditions stimulate the formation of aerobic granules. Deteriorated performances in biomass settling and nutrient removal during start-up have however often been reported. The effect of wash-out dynamics was investigated on bacterial selection, biomass settling behavior, and metabolic activities during the formation of early-stage granules from activated sludge of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP over start-up periods of maximum 60 days. Five bubble-column sequencing batch reactors were operated with feast-famine regimes consisting of rapid pulse or slow anaerobic feeding followed by aerobic starvation. Slow-settling fluffy granules were formed when an insufficient superficial air velocity (SAV; 1.8 cm s-1 was applied, when the inoculation sludge was taken from a WWTP removing organic matter only, or when reactors were operated at 30°C. Fast-settling dense granules were obtained with 4.0 cm s-1 SAV, or when the inoculation sludge was taken from a WWTP removing all nutrients biologically. However, only carbon was aerobically removed during start-up. Fluffy granules and dense granules were displaying distinct predominant phylotypes, namely filamentous Burkholderiales affiliates and Zoogloea relatives, respectively. The latter were predominant in dense granules independently from the feeding regime. A combination of insufficient solid retention time and of leakage of acetate into the aeration phase during intensive biomass wash-out was the cause for the proliferation of Zoogloea spp. in dense granules, and for the deterioration of BNR performances. It is however not certain that Zoogloea-like organisms are essential in granule formation. Optimal operation conditions should be elucidated for maintaining a balance between organisms with granulation propensity and nutrient removing organisms in order to form granules with BNR activities in

Bacterial Selection during the Formation of Early-Stage Aerobic Granules in Wastewater Treatment Systems Operated Under Wash-Out Dynamics.

Science.gov (United States)

Weissbrodt, David G; Lochmatter, Samuel; Ebrahimi, Sirous; Rossi, Pierre; Maillard, Julien; Holliger, Christof

2012-01-01

Aerobic granular sludge is attractive for high-rate biological wastewater treatment. Biomass wash-out conditions stimulate the formation of aerobic granules. Deteriorated performances in biomass settling and nutrient removal during start-up have however often been reported. The effect of wash-out dynamics was investigated on bacterial selection, biomass settling behavior, and metabolic activities during the formation of early-stage granules from activated sludge of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) over start-up periods of maximum 60 days. Five bubble-column sequencing batch reactors were operated with feast-famine regimes consisting of rapid pulse or slow anaerobic feeding followed by aerobic starvation. Slow-settling fluffy granules were formed when an insufficient superficial air velocity (SAV; 1.8 cm s(-1)) was applied, when the inoculation sludge was taken from a WWTP removing organic matter only, or when reactors were operated at 30°C. Fast-settling dense granules were obtained with 4.0 cm s(-1) SAV, or when the inoculation sludge was taken from a WWTP removing all nutrients biologically. However, only carbon was aerobically removed during start-up. Fluffy granules and dense granules were displaying distinct predominant phylotypes, namely filamentous Burkholderiales affiliates and Zoogloea relatives, respectively. The latter were predominant in dense granules independently from the feeding regime. A combination of insufficient solid retention time and of leakage of acetate into the aeration phase during intensive biomass wash-out was the cause for the proliferation of Zoogloea spp. in dense granules, and for the deterioration of BNR performances. It is however not certain that Zoogloea-like organisms are essential in granule formation. Optimal operation conditions should be elucidated for maintaining a balance between organisms with granulation propensity and nutrient removing organisms in order to form granules with BNR activities in short

Experimental investigation and modelling of tritium washout by precipitation in the area of the nuclear power plant of Paks, Hungary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koello, Z.; Palcsu, L.; Major, Z.; Papp, L.; Molnar, M.; Ranga, T.; Dombovari, P.; Manga, L.

2011-01-01

Tritium occurs in nature in trace amounts, but its concentration is changing due to natural and artificial sources. Studies focusing on natural tritium have to take into account the effect of artificial sources. Also, the impact of tritium is an important issue in environmental protection, e.g. in connection with the emissions from nuclear power plants. The present work focuses on the rain washout of tritium emitted from the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. Rainwater collectors were placed around the plant and after a period of precipitation, rainwater was collected and analysed for tritium content. Samples were analysed using low-level liquid scintillation counting, with some also subject to the more accurate 3 He ingrowth method. The results clearly show the trace of the tritium plume emitted from the plant; however, values are only about one order of magnitude higher than environmental background levels. A washout model was devised to estimate the distribution of tritium around the plant. The model gives slightly higher concentrations than those measured in the field, but in general the agreement is satisfactory. The modelled values demonstrate that the effect of the plant on rainwater tritium levels is negligible over a distance of some kilometres. - Research highlights: →The rainwater around a nuclear power plant was collected with a special rainwater collector →The rainwater after a rain event was analysed for tritium with LSC and with the helium ingrowth method. →The trace of the tritium plume is clearly detectable in the rainwater. →The agreement between a reversible washout model and experimental data is satisfactory. →According to the model the tritium plume is hardly detectable over some kilometers from the plant

Effects of fresh gas flow, tidal volume, and charcoal filters on the washout of sevoflurane from the Datex Ohmeda (GE) Aisys, Aestiva/5, and Excel 210 SE Anesthesia Workstations.

Science.gov (United States)

Sabouri, A Sassan; Lerman, Jerrold; Heard, Christopher

2014-10-01

We investigated the effects of tidal volume (VT), fresh gas flow (FGF), and a charcoal filter in the inspiratory limb on the washout of sevoflurane from the following Datex Ohmeda (GE) Anesthesia Workstations (AWSs): Aisys, Aestiva/5, and Excel 210SE. After equilibrating the AWSs with 2% sevoflurane, the anesthetic was discontinued, and the absorbent anesthesia breathing circuit (ABC), reservoir bag, and test lung were changed. The lung was ventilated with 350 or 200 mL·breath(-1), 15 breaths·min(-1), and a FGF of 10 L·min(-1) while the washout of sevoflurane was performed in triplicate using a calibrated Datex Ohmeda Capnomac Ultima™ and a calibrated MIRAN SapphIRe XL ambient air analyzer until the concentration was ≤ 10 parts per million (ppm). The effects of decreasing the FGF to 5 and 2 L·min(-1) after the initial washout and of a charcoal filter in the ABC were recorded separately. The median washout times with the Aisys AWS (14 min, P Excel 210SE (32 min). The mean (95% confidence interval) washout time with the Aisys increased to 23.5 (21.5 to 25.5) min with VT 200 mL·breath(-1) (P < 0.01). Decreasing the FGF from 10 to 5 and 2 L·min(-1) with the Aisys caused a rebound in sevoflurane concentration to ≥ 50 ppm. Placement of a charcoal filter in the inspiratory limb reduced the sevoflurane concentration to < 2 ppm in the Aisys and Aestiva/5 AWSs within two minutes. The GE AWSs should be purged with large FGFs and VTs ~350 mL·breath(-1) for ~25 min to achieve 10 ppm sevoflurane. The FGF should be maintained to avoid a rebound in anesthetic concentration. Charcoal filters rapidly decrease the anesthetic concentration to < 2 ppm.

Experimental investigation and modelling of tritium washout by precipitation in the area of the nuclear power plant of Paks, Hungary

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Koello, Z., E-mail: kolloz42@gmail.co [Hertelendi Laboratory of Environmental Studies, Institute of Nuclear Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem ter 18/c, Debrecen 4026 (Hungary); Palcsu, L.; Major, Z.; Papp, L.; Molnar, M. [Hertelendi Laboratory of Environmental Studies, Institute of Nuclear Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem ter 18/c, Debrecen 4026 (Hungary); Ranga, T.; Dombovari, P.; Manga, L. [Department of Radiation Protection, Nuclear Power Plant of Paks, Paks (Hungary)

2011-01-15

Tritium occurs in nature in trace amounts, but its concentration is changing due to natural and artificial sources. Studies focusing on natural tritium have to take into account the effect of artificial sources. Also, the impact of tritium is an important issue in environmental protection, e.g. in connection with the emissions from nuclear power plants. The present work focuses on the rain washout of tritium emitted from the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. Rainwater collectors were placed around the plant and after a period of precipitation, rainwater was collected and analysed for tritium content. Samples were analysed using low-level liquid scintillation counting, with some also subject to the more accurate {sup 3}He ingrowth method. The results clearly show the trace of the tritium plume emitted from the plant; however, values are only about one order of magnitude higher than environmental background levels. A washout model was devised to estimate the distribution of tritium around the plant. The model gives slightly higher concentrations than those measured in the field, but in general the agreement is satisfactory. The modelled values demonstrate that the effect of the plant on rainwater tritium levels is negligible over a distance of some kilometres. - Research highlights: {yields}The rainwater around a nuclear power plant was collected with a special rainwater collector {yields}The rainwater after a rain event was analysed for tritium with LSC and with the helium ingrowth method. {yields}The trace of the tritium plume is clearly detectable in the rainwater. {yields}The agreement between a reversible washout model and experimental data is satisfactory. {yields}According to the model the tritium plume is hardly detectable over some kilometers from the plant

Cardiac functional mapping for thallium-201 myocardial perfusion, washout, wall motion and phase using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakajima, Kenichi; Bunko, Hisashi; Taniguchi, Mitsuru; Taki, Junichi; Tonami, Norihisa; Hisada, Kinichi; Hirano, Takako; Wani, Hidenobu.

1986-01-01

A method for three-dimensional functional mapping of Tl-201 myocardial uptake, washout, wall motion and phase was developed using SPECT. Each parameter was mapped using polar display in the same format. Normal values were determined in Tl-201 exercise study in 16 patients. Myocardial counts were lower in the septum and inferior wall and the difference of counts between anterior and inferior walls were greater in man compared with the perfusion pattern in woman. Washout was slower at septum and inferior wall in man, and slightly slower at inferior wall in woman. In gated blood-pool tomography, length-based and count-based Fourier analyses were applied to calculate the parameters of contraction and phase. The results of both Fourier analyses generally agreed; however, the area of abnormality was slightly different. Phase maps were useful for the assessment of asynergy as well as in patients with conduction disorders. These cardiac functional maps using SPECT were considered to be effective for the understanding of three-dimensional informations of cardiac function. (author)

Polarographic measurement of ascorbate washout in isolated perfused rabbit hearts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arts, T.; Kuikka, J.T.; Reneman, R.S.; Bassingthwaighte, J.B.

1985-01-01

To study the myocardial washout of ascorbate, the applicability of polarographic detection of ascorbate ions by a platinum electrode (sensitive area 0.03 mm2) was investigated, in both a calibration setup (sampling flow along the electrode: 100 microliter X s-1) and isolated, retrogradely perfused rabbit hearts. In the calibration setup at pH 7.4, the sensitivity of the electrode was 70 microA/mol. This sensitivity increased moderately with increasing pH (13%/unit pH) and increasing sampling flow rate (14% at an increase from 100 to 150 microliter X s-1). In the isolated hearts, ascorbate infused into the aorta was detected in a right ventricular drain by the electrode as well as by the use of 14 C-labeled ascorbate. Both recorded time courses were similar except for a scaling factor dependent on flow velocity. During continuous infusion the arteriovenous difference of ascorbate was 2 +/- 2% (SD), indicating a relatively low consumption of ascorbate by the isolated heart. The authors conclude that polarographic measurement of ascorbate in the coronary effluent of an isolated rabbit heart can be performed on-line and relatively easily

The effect of time-of-day and chest physiotherapy on multiple breath washout measures in children with clinically stable cystic fibrosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Voldby, Christian; Green, Kent; Rosthøj, Susanne; Kongstad, Thomas; Philipsen, Lue; Buchvald, Frederik; Skov, Marianne; Pressler, Tania; Gustafsson, Per; Nielsen, Kim G

2018-01-01

In this pilot study we investigated daytime variation of multiple breath nitrogen washout (N2MBW) measures in children with clinically stable cystic fibrosis. To our knowledge the effect of time-of-day on multiple breath washout measures in patients with cystic fibrosis has not previously been reported. Furthermore, we assessed the influence of chest physiotherapy on N2MBW measures. Ten school children with cystic fibrosis performed N2MBW followed by spirometry and plethysmography in the morning and afternoon at three visits that were one month apart. Chest physiotherapy was performed immediately before the afternoon measurements at visit 2 and immediately before morning and afternoon measurements at visit 3. The influence of time-of-day and chest physiotherapy on the measures was evaluated using linear mixed models. There were adequate quality data from 8 children with median age (range) 9.6 (6.0; 15.1) years. Baseline lung clearance index (LCI) (range) was 9.0 (7.1; 13.0) and baseline FEV1% predicted was 97.5 (78.5; 117.9). No N2MBW measures were significantly influenced by time-of-day or chest physiotherapy. LCI (95% confidence interval) decreased non-significantly 0.05 (-0.32; 0.22) during the day and increased non-significantly 0.08 (-0.26; 0.42) after chest physiotherapy. All spirometric measures were unaffected by time-of-day and chest physiotherapy. For plethysmographic measures FRCpleth decreased significantly (pphysiotherapy performed immediately prior to N2MBW had no consistent or significant influence on N2MBW measures. However, we emphasize that further studies of the effect of both daytime variation and the effect of chest physiotherapy on multiple breath washout measures are warranted.

Anticontrol of Hopf bifurcation and control of chaos for a finance system through washout filters with time delay.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Huitao; Lu, Mengxia; Zuo, Junmei

2014-01-01

A controlled model for a financial system through washout-filter-aided dynamical feedback control laws is developed, the problem of anticontrol of Hopf bifurcation from the steady state is studied, and the existence, stability, and direction of bifurcated periodic solutions are discussed in detail. The obtained results show that the delay on price index has great influences on the financial system, which can be applied to suppress or avoid the chaos phenomenon appearing in the financial system.

Effects of dipyridamole and aminophylline on hemodynamics, regional myocardial blood flow and thallium-201 washout in the setting of a critical coronary stenosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Granato, J.E.; Watson, D.D.; Belardinelli, L.; Cannon, J.M.; Beller, G.A.

1990-01-01

Experiments were performed to characterize the interaction of intravenous dipyridamole and aminophylline on thallium-201 transport kinetics, regional myocardial blood flow and systemic hemodynamics in the presence of a critical coronary artery stenosis. In 12 dogs with a critical left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis, arterial pressure decreased from a mean value (+/- SEM) of 107 +/- 6 to 94 +/- 3 mm Hg and distal left anterior descending artery pressure decreased from 70 +/- 7 to 55 +/- 4 mm Hg after intravenous administration of dipyridamole. In the left anterior descending perfusion zone, the endocardial/epicardial flow ratio decreased from 0.70 to 0.36 and the intrinsic thallium washout rate was significantly prolonged. Intravenous aminophylline reversed the dipyridamole-induced systemic hypotension and transmural coronary steal and restored the thallium washout rate to baseline values. In six other dogs, aminophylline alone resulted in no alterations in systemic and coronary hemodynamics or regional myocardial blood flow. As expected, dipyridamole-induced vasodilation and coronary steal were prevented by aminophylline pretreatment. These data show that in a canine model of partial coronary stenosis, systemic hypotension, adverse regional flow effects and prolonged thallium-201 washout consequent to intravenously administered dipyridamole are promptly reversed by intravenous aminophylline administration. Aminophylline alone had no significant hemodynamic and coronary flow effects. This study provides further insight into the altered thallium kinetics occurring as a consequence of dipyridamole-induced vasodilation and suggests that the prompt reversal of symptoms and signs of ischemia with aminophylline in patients receiving intravenous dipyridamole for clinical imaging studies probably reflects the reversal of transmural coronary steal

Isotropic, anisotropic, and borehole washout analyses in Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II, Alaminos Canyon well 21-A

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Myung W.

2012-01-01

Through the use of three-dimensional seismic amplitude mapping, several gas hydrate prospects were identified in the Alaminos Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico. Two of the prospects were drilled as part of the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Program Leg II in May 2009, and a suite of logging-while-drilling logs was acquired at each well site. Logging-while-drilling logs at the Alaminos Canyon 21–A site indicate that resistivities of approximately 2 ohm-meter and P-wave velocities of approximately 1.9 kilometers per second were measured in a possible gas-hydrate-bearing target sand interval between 540 and 632 feet below the sea floor. These values are slightly elevated relative to those measured in the hydrate-free sediment surrounding the sands. The initial well log analysis is inconclusive in determining the presence of gas hydrate in the logged sand interval, mainly because large washouts in the target interval degraded well log measurements. To assess gas-hydrate saturations, a method of compensating for the effect of washouts on the resistivity and acoustic velocities is required. To meet this need, a method is presented that models the washed-out portion of the borehole as a vertical layer filled with seawater (drilling fluid). Owing to the anisotropic nature of this geometry, the apparent anisotropic resistivities and velocities caused by the vertical layer are used to correct measured log values. By incorporating the conventional marine seismic data into the well log analysis of the washout-corrected well logs, the gas-hydrate saturation at well site AC21–A was estimated to be in the range of 13 percent. Because gas hydrates in the vertical fractures were observed, anisotropic rock physics models were also applied to estimate gas-hydrate saturations.

Estimation of the in situ degradation of the washout fraction of starch by using a modified in situ protocol and in vitro measurements

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Jonge, de L.H.; Laar, van H.; Dijkstra, J.

2015-01-01

The in situ degradation of the washout fraction of starch in six feed ingredients (i.e. barley, faba beans, maize, oats, peas and wheat) was studied by using a modified in situ protocol and in vitro measurements. In comparison with the washing machine method, the modified protocol comprises a milder

Experimental investigation and modelling of tritium washout by precipitation in the area of the nuclear power plant of Paks, Hungary.

Science.gov (United States)

Köllo, Z; Palcsu, L; Major, Z; Papp, L; Molnár, M; Ranga, T; Dombóvári, P; Manga, L

2011-01-01

Tritium occurs in nature in trace amounts, but its concentration is changing due to natural and artificial sources. Studies focusing on natural tritium have to take into account the effect of artificial sources. Also, the impact of tritium is an important issue in environmental protection, e.g. in connection with the emissions from nuclear power plants. The present work focuses on the rain washout of tritium emitted from the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. Rainwater collectors were placed around the plant and after a period of precipitation, rainwater was collected and analysed for tritium content. Samples were analysed using low-level liquid scintillation counting, with some also subject to the more accurate (3)He ingrowth method. The results clearly show the trace of the tritium plume emitted from the plant; however, values are only about one order of magnitude higher than environmental background levels. A washout model was devised to estimate the distribution of tritium around the plant. The model gives slightly higher concentrations than those measured in the field, but in general the agreement is satisfactory. The modelled values demonstrate that the effect of the plant on rainwater tritium levels is negligible over a distance of some kilometres. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regional bronchoconstriction in asthma. 133Xenon washout scans following parenteral methacholine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Riley, D.J.; Fisher, A.B.; Hansell, J.R.; Brody, J.S.

1976-01-01

To determine the influence of bronchoconstriction on the distribution of ventilation during an asthma attack, pulmonary clearance of 133 xenon was evaluated in four normal and eight asthmatic subjects within three to five minutes after intramuscular injection of methacholine. In asthmatics, administration of 4-10 mg methacholine resulted in a decrease of forced vital capacity of 28.5 +- 5.1 (SE) percent and a decrease in expiratory flow at 60 percent vital capacity of 44.2 +- 6.9 percent (P less than 0.001). The cumulative ventilation required to reach 50 percent of the pre-washout radioactivity increased from 3.6 +- 0.8 to 9.9 +- 1.6 L after administration of the drug (P less than 0.05). The normal subjects showed no ventilatory effects after receiving 10 mg methacholine. Comparison of clearance of 133 xenon from ten areas of lung (each representing approximately 6 percent of the surface area of one lung) showed that all areas were affected to approximately the same extent during drug-induced asthma. These findings suggest that parenteral methacholine is an effective way to demonstrate airway hyperreactivity and that the airway response to methacholine in asthmatics is relatively generalized throughout the lung

Bifurcation and chaos in a Tessiet type food chain chemostat with pulsed input and washout

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Fengyan; Hao Chunping; Chen Lansun

2007-01-01

In this paper, we introduce and study a model of a Tessiet type food chain chemostat with pulsed input and washout. We investigate the subsystem with substrate and prey and study the stability of the periodic solutions, which are the boundary periodic solutions of the system. The stability analysis of the boundary periodic solution yields an invasion threshold. By use of standard techniques of bifurcation theory, we prove that above this threshold there are periodic oscillations in substrate, prey and predator. Simple cycles may give way to chaos in a cascade of period-doubling bifurcations. Furthermore, by comparing bifurcation diagrams with different bifurcation parameters, we can see that the impulsive system shows two kinds of bifurcations, whose are period doubling and period halving

The clinical usefulness of myocardial thallium-201 washout rate after exercise stress

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iwasaki, Tsutomu; Takino, Yutaka; Sakurai, Fumio

1989-01-01

Myocardial Tl-201 Washout rates (WORs) after exercise stress were measured in 15 normal subjects and 67 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or chest pain syndrome and the usefulness of WOR for the detection of CAD was studied. Myocardial tomograms were obtained both immediately after exercise and 3 hours later using a rotating gamma camera in 15 normal subjects and 67 patients. After low-pass filtering, images were reconstructed into short-axis, horizontal long-axis and vertical long-axis tomograms and visually interpreted. By using short-axis tomograms, left ventricle WORs were expressed as circumferential profile curves at the apex, center and base of the ventricle. Lower normal limits of the WOR were set at 2 SDs from the mean of the normal subjects. The combination of visual interpretation of SPECT with WOR increased the sensitivity of detection of CAD from 8.3% to 66.7% in patients with three-vessel CAD without losing specificity. WOR after exercise stress is believed to be a useful method of detecting multivessel CAD. (author)

Results from Carbon Dioxide Washout Testing Using a Suited Manikin Test Apparatus with a Space Suit Ventilation Test Loop

Science.gov (United States)

Chullen, Cinda; Conger, Bruce; McMillin, Summer; Vonau, Walt; Kanne, Bryan; Korona, Adam; Swickrath, Mike

2016-01-01

NASA is developing an advanced portable life support system (PLSS) to meet the needs of a new NASA advanced space suit. The PLSS is one of the most critical aspects of the space suit providing the necessary oxygen, ventilation, and thermal protection for an astronaut performing a spacewalk. The ventilation subsystem in the PLSS must provide sufficient carbon dioxide (CO2) removal and ensure that the CO2 is washed away from the oronasal region of the astronaut. CO2 washout is a term used to describe the mechanism by which CO2 levels are controlled within the helmet to limit the concentration of CO2 inhaled by the astronaut. Accumulation of CO2 in the helmet or throughout the ventilation loop could cause the suited astronaut to experience hypercapnia (excessive carbon dioxide in the blood). A suited manikin test apparatus (SMTA) integrated with a space suit ventilation test loop was designed, developed, and assembled at NASA in order to experimentally validate adequate CO2 removal throughout the PLSS ventilation subsystem and to quantify CO2 washout performance under various conditions. The test results from this integrated system will be used to validate analytical models and augment human testing. This paper presents the system integration of the PLSS ventilation test loop with the SMTA including the newly developed regenerative Rapid Cycle Amine component used for CO2 removal and tidal breathing capability to emulate the human. The testing and analytical results of the integrated system are presented along with future work.

Carbon Dioxide Washout Testing Using Various Inlet Vent Configurations in the Mark-III Space Suit

Science.gov (United States)

Korona, F. Adam; Norcross, Jason; Conger, Bruce; Navarro, Moses

2014-01-01

Requirements for using a space suit during ground testing include providing adequate carbon dioxide (CO2) washout for the suited subject. Acute CO2 exposure can lead to symptoms including headache, dyspnea, lethargy, and eventually unconsciousness or even death. Symptoms depend on several factors including inspired partial pressure of CO2 (ppCO2), duration of exposure, metabolic rate of the subject, and physiological differences between subjects. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has predicted that the configuration of the suit inlet vent has a significant effect on oronasal CO2 concentrations. The main objective of this test was to characterize inspired oronasal ppCO2 for a variety of inlet vent configurations in the Mark-III suit across a range of workload and flow rates. Data and trends observed during testing along with refined CFD models will be used to help design an inlet vent configuration for the Z-2 space suit. The testing methodology used in this test builds upon past CO2 washout testing performed on the Z-1 suit, Rear Entry I-Suit, and the Enhanced Mobility Advanced Crew Escape Suit. Three subjects performed two test sessions each in the Mark-III suit to allow for comparison between tests. Six different helmet inlet vent configurations were evaluated during each test session. Suit pressure was maintained at 4.3 psid. Suited test subjects walked on a treadmill to generate metabolic workloads of approximately 2000 and 3000 BTU/hr. Supply airflow rates of 6 and 4 actual cubic feet per minute were tested at each workload. Subjects wore an oronasal mask with an open port in front of the mouth and were allowed to breathe freely. Oronasal ppCO2 was monitored real-time via gas analyzers with sampling tubes connected to the oronasal mask. Metabolic rate was calculated from the CO2 production measured by an additional gas analyzer at the air outlet from the suit. Real-time metabolic rate measurements were used to adjust the treadmill workload to meet

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and multiple breath nitrogen washout in preschool healthy and asthmatic children

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vilmann, Lea; Buchvald, Frederik; Green, Kent

2017-01-01

Introduction Objectively assessing pulmonary disease is challenging in preschool children with asthma. We evaluated the feasibility of measuring fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) and multiple breath nitrogen washout (N2MBW) in children. We compared their capacities for discriminating between...... children with asthma and healthy controls. Methods We measured FeNO and N2MBW-derived indices of lung clearance (LCI2.5) and conductive and acinar ventilation heterogeneity (Scond and Sacin) in 65 preschool children; 35 with physician-diagnosed asthma and 30 healthy. FeNO was measured with a portable.......023), but similar FeNO, LCI2.5 and Sacinvalues. Conclusion The feasibility of measuring FeNO was highly age-dependent and not applicable in children under age 4. N2MBW was feasible in the majority of preschool children. Scond, but not FeNO, could discriminate between children with asthma and healthy controls....

A novel sidestream ultrasonic flow sensor for multiple breath washout in children.

Science.gov (United States)

Fuchs, Susanne I; Sturz, J; Junge, S; Ballmann, M; Gappa, M

2008-08-01

Inert gas multiple breath washout (MBW) for measuring Lung Clearance Index using mass spectrometry and 4% sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)) as the tracer gas has been shown to be sensitive for detecting early Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease. However, mass spectrometry requires bulky equipment and is expensive to buy and maintain. A novel sidestream ultrasonic device may overcome this problem. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and clinical validity of measuring lung volume (functional residual capacity, FRC) and the LCI using the sidestream ultrasonic flow sensor in children and adolescents with CF in relation to spirometry and plain chest radiographs. MBW using the sidestream ultrasonic device and conventional spirometry were performed in 26 patients with CF and 22 healthy controls. In the controls (4.7-17.7 years) LCI was similar to that reported using mass spectrometry (mean (SD) 6.7 (0.5)). LCI was elevated in 77% of the CF children (6.8-18.9 years), whereas spirometry was abnormal in only 38.5%, 61.5%, and 26.9% for FEV(1), MEF(25), and FEV(1)/FVC, respectively. This was more marked in children ultrasonic MBW is a valid and simple alternative to mass spectrometry for assessing ventilation homogeneity in children. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Comparison of low-abundance biomarker levels in capillary-collected nonstimulated tears and washout tears of aqueous-deficient and normal patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Guyette, Nicole; Williams, Larezia; Tran, My-Tho; Than, Tammy; Bradley, John; Kehinde, Lucy; Edwards, Clara; Beasley, Mark; Fullard, Roderick

2013-05-01

Low tear volume limits the use of nonstimulated (NS) microcapillary tear collection in aqueous-deficient (AD) patients. Adding a small amount of "washout" fluid to the eye prior to tear collection is a potentially viable alternative method for abundant proteins, but is relatively untested for low-abundance biomarkers. This study determined the feasibility of the washout (WO) method as an NS alternative for low-abundance biomarkers. NS and WO biomarker profiles were compared between AD patients and non-AD controls to determine if the two methods identify the same intergroup differences. Matching NS and WO tears were collected from 48 patients by micropipette, the WO sample after instillation of 10 μL saline. Tear cytokine levels were measured by 27-Plex Bio-Rad assay. Bland-Altman analyses for each biomarker determined the agreement between tear sample types. Patients were grouped as AD or non-AD based on Schirmer score to determine if NS profile between-group differences were preserved in WO tears. Bland-Altman plots showed good biomarker level agreement between NS and WO tears for most cytokines. Five biomarkers, among those most often cited as differing in AD dry eye, differed significantly between non-AD and AD groups in both tear types. Additional biomarker differences were seen in NS tears only. The WO tear collection method is a viable alternative to NS tears for many low-abundance biomarkers and is able to replicate major NS tear differences between dry eye groups. More subtle intergroup differences are lost in WO samples because of reduced statistical power.

Determination of skin blood flow by 133Xe washout and by heat flux from a heated tc-Po2 electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jaszczak, P.; Sejrsen, P.

1984-01-01

133 Xe washout measurements were used to determine cutaneous and subcutaneous blood flow beneath a specially designed double-thermostated tc-Po 2 electrode. The skin blood flow was determined using thermal methods based on reduced heat dissipation during blood flow cessation. A total of 20 measurements were performed on two healthy volunteers, using the volar side of the right forearm as the experimental area. Cutaneous as well as subcutaneous blood flow increased with increasing electrode temperature. The cutaneous blood flow increased from 12.3 +- 1.3 ml (100 g) -1 . min -1 (37degC) to 49.1 +- 5.4 ml (100g) -1 . min -1 (45degC) and the subcutaneous values from 20.9 +- 0.2 ml (100 g) -1 . min -1 to 57.3 +- 0.5 ml(100 g) -1 . min -1 . Preheating of the measuring area or injection of papaverine as blood flow accelerator did not increase the maximum blood flow values. A considerable inter-individual difference between cutaneous and subcutaneous blood flow was observed, but in spite of that a good overall correlation between the 133 Xe washout measurements and the two thermal flow measurements was found (r = 0.932 and 0.945, respectively). It is concluded that in some cases, but not always, measurements of tc-Po 2 at electrode temperatures of 45degC take place on a maximally perfused skin and that it is possible to determine skin blood flow by means of determinations of the heat dissipated from the tc-Po 2 electrode to the underlying skin. (author)

Study of the responsible factors for the closure of an intermittent washout during a storm surge, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

OpenAIRE

Serpa, Christian Garcia; Romeu, Marco Antônio Rígola; Fontoura, Jose Antonio Scotti; Calliari, Lauro Julio; Melo Filho, Eloi; Albuquerque, Miguel da Guia

2011-01-01

The washouts are water courses essential to the drainage of the water accumulated in the backshore zone, and are responsible for great ruptures in the dunes field. They supply the swash zone with large amounts of sediment. The study area is located a few kilometers south of the Patos Lagoon Inlet. This study measures the contribution of the wind, the waves, the atmospheric pressure and the tide on the elevation of the sea level in a period when the beach has suffered the impact of a storm sur...

Abbreviation modalities of nitrogen multiple-breath washout tests in school children with obstructed lung disease

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Green, Kent; Ejlertsen, Jacob S; Madsen, Astrid

2016-01-01

, the lung clearance index, calculated as lung volume turnovers required to reach 2.5% of the starting N2 concentration (LCI2.5 ). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of triplicate N2 MBW measurements obtained in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (N = 60), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients (N = 28......RATIONALE: Nitrogen multiple-breath washout (N2 MBW) is a promising tool for assessing early lung damage in children with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but it can be a time-consuming procedure. We compared alternative test-shortening endpoints with the most commonly reported N2 MBW outcome...... MBW runs in each session. N2 MBW endpoints were analyzed as z-scores calculated from healthy controls. RESULTS: In PCD, Cn@TO6 and LCI2.5 exhibited similar values (mean [95%CI] difference: 0.33 [-0.24; 0.90] z-scores), reducing the test duration by one-third (5.4 min; 95%CI: 4.0; 6.8). All other...

Percutaneous debridement and washout of walled-off abdominal abscess and necrosis using flexible endoscopy: a large single-center experience.

Science.gov (United States)

Mathers, Bradley; Moyer, Matthew; Mathew, Abraham; Dye, Charles; Levenick, John; Gusani, Niraj; Dougherty-Hamod, Brandy; McGarrity, Thomas

2016-01-01

Direct percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy has been described as a minimally invasive intervention for the debridement of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to confirm these findings in a US referral center and evaluate the clinical value of this modality in the treatment of pancreatic necrosis as well as other types of intra-abdominal fluid collections and necrosis. Twelve consecutive patients with WOPN or other abdominal abscess requiring debridement and washout underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage catheter placement. Each patient then underwent direct percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy and washout with repeat debridement performed until complete. Drains were then removed once output fell below 30 mL/day and imaging confirmed resolution. The primary endpoints were time to clinical resolution and sustained resolution at 1-year follow up.  Ten patients were treated for WOPN, one for necrotic hepatic abscesses, and one for omental necrosis. The median time to intervention was 85 days with an average of 2.3 necrosectomies performed. Complete removal of drains was accomplished in 11 patients (92 %). The median time to resolution was 57 days. No serious adverse events occurred; however, one patient developed pancreaticocutaneous fistulas. Ten patients completed 1-year surveillance of which none required drain replacement. No patients required surgery or repeat endoscopy. This series supports the premise that direct percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy is a safe and effective intervention for intra-abdominal fluid collections and necrosis in appropriately selected patients. Our study demonstrates a high clinical success rate with minimal adverse events. This modality offers several potential advantages over surgical and transgastric approaches including use of improved accessibility, an excellent safety profile, and requirement for only deep or moderate sedation.

The in vitro antibiotic release from anti-washout apatite cement using chitosan.

Science.gov (United States)

Takechi, Masaaki; Miyamoto, Youji; Momota, Yukihiro; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Tatehara, Seikou; Nagayama, Masaru; Ishikawa, Kunio; Suzuki, Kazuomi

2002-10-01

The in vitro antibiotic release from anti-washout apatite cement using chitosan (aw-AC(chi)) was investigated in a preliminary evaluation. Flomoxef sodium was employed as the antibiotic and was incorporated into the powder phase aw-AC(chi) at up to 10%. The setting times were measured for aw-AC(chi) containing various amounts of flomoxef sodium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was also conducted for the identification of products. To evaluate the drug release profile, set aw-AC was immersed in saline and the released flomoxef sodium was determined at regular intervals. The setting time was prolonged slightly with the addition of flomoxef sodium. The difference at 10% flomoxef sodium (0% vs. 10%) was not significant (p>0.05), and can be negligible in clinic. The XRD analysis revealed that formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) from aw-AC(chi) was reduced, even after 24 h, when the aw-AC(chi) contained flomoxef sodium at 8% or more. The flomoxef sodium release from aw-AC(chi) showed the typical profile observed in skeleton type drug delivery system (DDS). Changing the concentration of chitosan can control the rate of drug release from aw-AC. Therefore, we conclude that aw-AC(chi) is a good candidate for potential use as a DDS carrier that may be useful in surgical operations.

Washout study of fission products under aerosol form by a droplets pulverization of PWR water spray containment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marchand, Denis

2008-05-01

The study investigated the physical phenomena involved in the aerosols washout by water droplets for thermal hydraulic conditions representative of a severe accident in a PWR simulated into the TOSQAN vessel. A aerosols characterization (WELAS, turbidity-meter) coupled with the spray characteristics measurements (PDA, PIV), provided detailed information allowing to obtain reproducible results showing that aerosols collection dynamics has two phases characterized by two distinct removal rates. The average elementary collection efficiency per aerosols class was estimated according to the water flow rates and the droplets temperature injection. The comparison between the numerical approach (ASTEC's code) and the experimental results on the collected mass by the droplets showed a good agreement at the test beginning, then a light dissension after a certain time related on the experimental limits of measurement and the limits of the code. (author)

Treatment response of airway clearance assessed by single-breath washout in children with cystic fibrosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Abbas, Chiara; Singer, Florian; Yammine, Sophie; Casaulta, Carmen; Latzin, Philipp

2013-12-01

We studied the ability of 4 single-breath gas washout (SBW) tests to measure immediate effects of airway clearance in children with CF. 25 children aged 4-16 years with CF performed pulmonary function tests to assess short-term variability at baseline and response to routine airway clearance. Tidal helium and sulfur hexafluoride (double-tracer gas: DTG) SBW, tidal capnography, tidal and vital capacity nitrogen (N2) SBW and spirometry were applied. We analyzed the gasses' phase III slope (SnIII--normalized for tidal volume) and FEV1 from spirometry. SnIII from tidal DTG-SBW, SnIII from vital capacity N2-SBW, and FEV1 improved significantly after airway clearance. From these tests, individual change of SnIII from tidal DTG-SBW and FEV1 exceeded short-term variability in 10 and 6 children. With the tidal DTG-SBW, an easy and promising test for peripheral gas mixing efficiency, immediate pulmonary function response to airway clearance can be assessed in CF children. Copyright © 2013 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uptake and washout of I-123-MIBG in neuronal and non-neuronal sites in rat hearts. Relationship to renal clearance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arbab, A.S.; Koizumi, Kiyoshi; Araki, Tsutomu

1996-01-01

We investigated the uptake and washout of I-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) in neuronal (both intra-and extravesicular) and non-neuronal sites in the heart and its relationship to renal clearance. Acute renal failure was induced in rats by ligating the renal vessels, and the findings were compared with those of sham-operated rats. Each group consisted of control, reserpine-treated and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated subgroups. Rats were sacrificed at 10 minutes and 4 hours after injection of MIBG. MIBG activity was calculated in specimens of heart, spleen, lung and blood. At 10 minutes, no significant difference in MIBG uptake in the heart was observed among the subgroups or between sham-operated and renal failure rats despite a significantly higher blood MIBG activity in the latter. At 4 hours, however, the hearts of both reserpine-treated and 6-OHDA-treated rats showed significantly lower MIBG uptake than control rats. Furthermore, the hearts of renal failure rats showed higher MIBG uptake in the control and reserpine-treated rats than in the corresponding subgroups in sham-operated rats. Intra and extravesicular neuronal uptake of MIBG in the heart were estimated using control, reserpine-treated and 6-OHDA-treated rats. Vesicular uptake values were similar in both the sham-operated group (0.51% ID/g) and the renal failure group (0.44% ID/g). But extravesicular neuronal uptake values were quite different in the renal failure group (0.86% ID/g) and the sham-operated group (0.19% ID/g). In conclusion, uptake to and washout from extravesicular neuronal sites may depend on the concentration of MIBG in the blood or the state of renal clearance, but vesicular uptake may be independent of these factors. (author)

Comparison of quantitative regional ventilation-weighted fourier decomposition MRI with dynamic fluorinated gas washout MRI and lung function testing in COPD patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaireit, Till F; Gutberlet, Marcel; Voskrebenzev, Andreas; Freise, Julia; Welte, Tobias; Hohlfeld, Jens M; Wacker, Frank; Vogel-Claussen, Jens

2018-06-01

Ventilation-weighted Fourier decomposition-MRI (FD-MRI) has matured as a reliable technique for quantitative measures of regional lung ventilation in recent years, but has yet not been validated in COPD patients. To compare regional fractional lung ventilation obtained by ventilation-weighted FD-MRI with dynamic fluorinated gas washout MRI ( 19 F-MRI) and lung function test parameters. Prospective study. Twenty-seven patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, median age 61 [54-67] years) were included. For FD-MRI and for 19 F-MRI a spoiled gradient echo sequence was used at 1.5T. FD-MRI coronal slices were acquired in free breathing. Dynamic 19 F-MRI was performed after inhalation of 25-30 L of a mixture of 79% fluorinated gas (C 3 F 8 ) and 21% oxygen via a closed face mask tubing using a dedicated coil tuned to 59.9 MHz. 19 F washout times in numbers of breaths ( 19 F-n breaths ) as well as fractional ventilation maps for both methods (FD-FV, 19 F-FV) were calculated. Slices were matched using a landmark driven algorithm, and only corresponding slices with an overlap of >90% were coregistered for evaluation. The obtained parameters were correlated with each other using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r). FD-FV strongly correlated with 19 F-n breaths on a global (r = -0.72, P Fourier decomposition-MRI is a promising noninvasive, radiation-free tool for quantification of regional ventilation in COPD patients. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1534-1541. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Local regulation of blood flow evaluated simultaneously by 133-xenon washout and laser Doppler flowmetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Engelhart, M.; Petersen, L.J.; Kristensen, J.K.

1988-01-01

The laser Doppler flowmeter and the 133-Xenon washout techniques of measuring cutaneous blood flow were compared for measuring the vasoconstrictor response of the hand during orthostatic maneuvres. Important discrepancies were detected for the two methods. When the hand was lowered by 40 cm a 40% decrease in blood flow was detected by the 133-Xenon method, while a 60% decrease was seen by the laser Doppler technique. Lowering the hand by 50 cm resulted in no further blood flow decrease when using the 133-Xenon method, but an 80% blood flow decrease was recorded with the laser Doppler method. A marked decrease in blood flow was recorded by the laser Doppler technique in hands that were sympathectomized or a hand that was subjected to a nerve blockade, strategies which should eliminate the orthostatic vasoconstrictor response of superficial cutaneous vessels. The 133-Xenon technique did not detect any blood flow changes in hands without sympathetic tone. We found the laser Doppler flowmetry technique unsatisfactory for measurement of blood flow changes that occur in nutritional vessels as this method measures total skin blood flow including non-capillary vessels

Quantitative cerebral H215O perfusion PET without arterial blood sampling, a method based on washout rate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Treyer, Valerie; Jobin, Mathieu; Burger, Cyrill; Buck, Alfred; Teneggi, Vincenzo

2003-01-01

The quantitative determination of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) is important in certain clinical and research applications. The disadvantage of most quantitative methods using H 2 15 O positron emission tomography (PET) is the need for arterial blood sampling. In this study a new non-invasive method for rCBF quantification was evaluated. The method is based on the washout rate of H 2 15 O following intravenous injection. All results were obtained with Alpert's method, which yields maps of the washin parameter K 1 (rCBF K1 ) and the washout parameter k 2 (rCBF k2 ). Maps of rCBF K1 were computed with measured arterial input curves. Maps of rCBF k2* were calculated with a standard input curve which was the mean of eight individual input curves. The mean of grey matter rCBF k2* (CBF k2* ) was then compared with the mean of rCBF K1 (CBF K1 ) in ten healthy volunteer smokers who underwent two PET sessions on day 1 and day 3. Each session consisted of three serial H 2 15 O scans. Reproducibility was analysed using the rCBF difference scan 3-scan 2 in each session. The perfusion reserve (PR = rCBF acetazolamide -rCBF baseline ) following acetazolamide challenge was calculated with rCBF k2* (PR k2* ) and rCBF K1 (PR K1 ) in ten patients with cerebrovascular disease. The difference CBF k2* -CBF K1 was 5.90±8.12 ml/min/100 ml (mean±SD, n=55). The SD of the scan 3-scan 1 difference was 6.1% for rCBF k2* and rCBF K1 , demonstrating a high reproducibility. Perfusion reserve values determined with rCBF K1 and rCBF k2* were in high agreement (difference PR k2* -PR K1 =-6.5±10.4%, PR expressed in percentage increase from baseline). In conclusion, a new non-invasive method for the quantitative determination of rCBF is presented. The method is in good agreement with Alpert's original method and the reproducibility is high. It does not require arterial blood sampling, yields quantitative voxel-by-voxel maps of rCBF, and is computationally efficient and easy to implement

Calcitonin assay in wash-out fluid after fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients with a thyroid nodule and border-line value of the hormone.

Science.gov (United States)

Massaro, F; Dolcino, M; Degrandi, R; Ferone, D; Mussap, M; Minuto, F; Giusti, M

2009-04-01

Assaying calcitonin (CT) in the wash-out fluid from fine-needle aspiration biopsies (CT-FNAB) could be useful in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The aim of this study was to correlate serum CT with cytology and CT-FNAB. Twenty-seven subjects (age range 27-75 yr) were studied. FNAB was performed in a thyroid nodule (no.=16) or lymph-node (no.=1 previously operated on for MTC) or in the prevalent nodule of multinodular goiters (no.=10). CT-FNAB values obtained in 37 subjects with normal serum CT (thyroid nodules served as a negative control. In these subjects, CTFNAB values were 8.2+/-6.4 ng/l (range 2-30 ng/l). In patients with a thyroid nodule under evaluation for MTC, serum CT and CT-FNAB values were 14.5+/-3.9 ng/l (range 10-24 ng/l) and 16.4+/-29.8 ng/l (range 2-144 ng/l), respectively. In 4 patients, CT-FNAB values were higher than the highest values found in our negative controls (30 ng/l), but cytology results were compatible with a benign thyroid lesion and pentagastrin testing was negative. In 3 cases with CT-FNAB 100 ng/l. Our data do not show any correlation between CT-FNAB and serum CT. In conclusion, borderline CT values in patients with thyroid nodules are not rare. Our experience suggests that CT-FNAB does not have the same importance as that reported in the literature for thyroglobulin and PTH assay in wash-out fluid after FNAB in malignant thyroid and hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions.

Evaluation of cutaneous blood flow responses by 133Xe washout and a laser-Doppler flowmeter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Engelhart, M.; Kristensen, J.K.

1983-01-01

A new method for noninvasive measurement of cutaneous blood flow is laser-Doppler flowmetry. The technique is based on the fact that laser light is back-scattered from the moving red blood cells, with Doppler-shifted frequencies; these impulses lead to photodetectors and are converted to flow signals. In this work we used a new system with a low noise level. Comparison was made between this technique and the atraumatic epicutaneous 133 Xe technique for measurement of cutaneous blood flow during reactive hyperemia and orthostatic pressure changes. The laser-Doppler flowmeter seems to measure blood flow in capillaries as well as in arteriovenous anastomoses, while the 133 Xe method probably measures only capillary flow. A calibration of the laser-Doppler method against the 133 Xe method would appear to be impossible in skin areas where arteriovenous anastomoses are present. The changes in blood flow during reactive hyperemia, orthostatic pressure changes, and venous stasis were found to be parallel as measured by the two methods in skin areas without shunt vessels. The laser-Doppler flowmeter would appear to be a useful supplement to the 133Xe washout method in cutaneous vascular physiology, but it is important to keep in mind that different parameters may be measured

A realistic validation study of a new nitrogen multiple-breath washout system.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florian Singer

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: For reliable assessment of ventilation inhomogeneity, multiple-breath washout (MBW systems should be realistically validated. We describe a new lung model for in vitro validation under physiological conditions and the assessment of a new nitrogen (N(2MBW system. METHODS: The N(2MBW setup indirectly measures the N(2 fraction (F(N2 from main-stream carbon dioxide (CO(2 and side-stream oxygen (O(2 signals: F(N2 = 1-F(O2-F(CO2-F(Argon. For in vitro N(2MBW, a double chamber plastic lung model was filled with water, heated to 37°C, and ventilated at various lung volumes, respiratory rates, and F(CO2. In vivo N(2MBW was undertaken in triplets on two occasions in 30 healthy adults. Primary N(2MBW outcome was functional residual capacity (FRC. We assessed in vitro error (√[difference](2 between measured and model FRC (100-4174 mL, and error between tests of in vivo FRC, lung clearance index (LCI, and normalized phase III slope indices (S(acin and S(cond. RESULTS: The model generated 145 FRCs under BTPS conditions and various breathing patterns. Mean (SD error was 2.3 (1.7%. In 500 to 4174 mL FRCs, 121 (98% of FRCs were within 5%. In 100 to 400 mL FRCs, the error was better than 7%. In vivo FRC error between tests was 10.1 (8.2%. LCI was the most reproducible ventilation inhomogeneity index. CONCLUSION: The lung model generates lung volumes under the conditions encountered during clinical MBW testing and enables realistic validation of MBW systems. The new N(2MBW system reliably measures lung volumes and delivers reproducible LCI values.

Effect of a topical glucocorticoid, budesonide, on nasal mucosal blood flow as measured with 133Xe wash-out technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bende, M.; Lindqvist, N.; Pipkorn, U.

1983-01-01

The ''vasoconstrictor'' effect of dermally applicated steroids is a widely used parameter when determining the potency of glucocorticoids. A similar effect on the nasal mucosa has been suggested as providing an explanation for the clinical effect of topically administered glucocorticoids in the treatment of nasal disorders such as allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. The recently described 133 Xe wash-out method was used for the purpose of blood flow determination in 11 healthy subjects. In a randomized double-blind cross-over study, the effect of topically administered budesonide, a non-halogenated glucocorticoid, for 1 week was compared with that of placebo. No difference was found to occur in the mucosal blood flow after the administration of budesonide, as compared with placebo. It seems likely that a more complex activity than vasoconstriction is responsible for the clinical effect in the treatment of nasal disorders, and further research is required in order to clarify this issue. (author)

Atmospheric washout of radioactive aerosol for different types of precipitation events

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bernauer, Felix

2015-01-01

Ionizing radiation is widely used in many applications such as medical diagnostics and radiotherapy, where the beneficial aspect of radiation exposure is obvious. However, the exposure of human beings to ionizing radiation may also have some negative effects on human health. After the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant accident measured deposition patterns did not match to patterns predicted by atmospheric transport models used in decision support systems. It was suggested that one reason for these discrepancies might be that these models do not differentiate between deposition by rain and snow. Up to now much effort has been spent on the theoretical and experimental investigation of the washout of atmospheric aerosol particles by rain. In contrast, only limited knowledge is available on the washout efficiency of snow, due to the complexity of the process. Therefore, the aim of the presented work was to analyze wet deposition of aerosol particles and particle bound radionuclides in different types of precipitation events. The thesis focused on below-cloud scavenging of aerosol particles in a size range from 10 nm to 510 nm in solid phase precipitation events. It is based on measurements of natural precipitation and natural aerosol particle concentration that were performed in the free atmosphere, at the Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus. For this purpose, a method was developed to characterize and classify precipitation events, which goes beyond the common differentiation between liquid, mixed and solid phase precipitation. The method included use of a 2D-Video Disdrometer (2DVD), that was adapted for the detection of mixed and solid phase hydrometeors (e.g. snowflakes). A new matching algorithm, that was developed for this thesis, allowed detection of solid, mixed and liquid phase hydrometeors with a maximum dimension larger than 0.5 mm. On the basis of shape and velocity descriptors, a classification algorithm that differentiates between three

Atmospheric washout of radioactive aerosol for different types of precipitation events

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bernauer, Felix

2015-12-15

Ionizing radiation is widely used in many applications such as medical diagnostics and radiotherapy, where the beneficial aspect of radiation exposure is obvious. However, the exposure of human beings to ionizing radiation may also have some negative effects on human health. After the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant accident measured deposition patterns did not match to patterns predicted by atmospheric transport models used in decision support systems. It was suggested that one reason for these discrepancies might be that these models do not differentiate between deposition by rain and snow. Up to now much effort has been spent on the theoretical and experimental investigation of the washout of atmospheric aerosol particles by rain. In contrast, only limited knowledge is available on the washout efficiency of snow, due to the complexity of the process. Therefore, the aim of the presented work was to analyze wet deposition of aerosol particles and particle bound radionuclides in different types of precipitation events. The thesis focused on below-cloud scavenging of aerosol particles in a size range from 10 nm to 510 nm in solid phase precipitation events. It is based on measurements of natural precipitation and natural aerosol particle concentration that were performed in the free atmosphere, at the Environmental Research Station Schneefernerhaus. For this purpose, a method was developed to characterize and classify precipitation events, which goes beyond the common differentiation between liquid, mixed and solid phase precipitation. The method included use of a 2D-Video Disdrometer (2DVD), that was adapted for the detection of mixed and solid phase hydrometeors (e.g. snowflakes). A new matching algorithm, that was developed for this thesis, allowed detection of solid, mixed and liquid phase hydrometeors with a maximum dimension larger than 0.5 mm. On the basis of shape and velocity descriptors, a classification algorithm that differentiates between three

Clinical application of inert gas Multiple Breath Washout in children and adolescents with asthma.

Science.gov (United States)

Zwitserloot, Annelies; Fuchs, Susanne I; Müller, Christina; Bisdorf, Kornelia; Gappa, Monika

2014-09-01

Children with asthma often have normal spirometry despite significant disease. The pathology of the small airways in asthma may be assessed using Multiple Breath Washout (MBW) and calculating the Lung Clearance Index (LCI). There are only few studies using MBW in children with asthma and existing data regarding bronchodilator effect are contradictory. The aim of the present pilot study was to compare LCI in asthma and controls and assess the effect of salbutamol in children with asthma on the LCI. Unselected patients with a diagnosis of asthma visiting the outpatient department of our hospital between 04-2010 and 03-2011 were recruited and compared to a healthy control group. MBW was performed as inert gas MBW using sulfurhexafluorid (SF6) as the tracer gas. Clinical data were documented and spirometry and MBW (EasyOne Pro, MBW module, NDD Switzerland) were performed before and after the use of salbutamol (200-400 μg). Healthy controls performed baseline MBW only. 32 children diagnosed with asthma (4.7-17.4 years) and 42 controls (5.3-20.8) were included in the analysis. LCI differed between patients and controls, with a mean LCI (SD) of 6.48 (0.48) and 6.21 (0.38) (P = 0.008). Use of salbutamol had no significant effect on LCI for the group. These pilot data show that clinically stable asthma patients and controls both have a LCI in the normal range. However, in patients the LCI is significantly higher indicating that MBW may have a role in assessing small airways disease in asthma. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of tritium wash-out by precipitation in the area of the nuclear power plant of Paks, Hungary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koelloe, Z.; Palcsu, L.; Major, Z.; Papp, L.; Molnar, M.

2009-01-01

Complete text of publication follows. Tritium is an important radioactive isotope because its natural occurrence in the air and precipitation due to natural and artificial sources. In order to investigate the natural changes in tritium concentration, the artificial component has to be known. Some field experiments were carried out before to investigate the washout of tritium by precipitation emitted from artificial sources, but none of them were carried out around a real power plant, measuring the deposition pattern. We collected rainwater around the nuclear power plant of Paks (Paks NPP), and analyzed them for tritium. The rainwater samplers were constructed at ATOMKI. Their structure consists of a funnel, support parts and a long tube, acting as the storage vessel for the rainwater. One end of the tube is connected to the funnel, the other end is open. This way when 'new' rainwater falls, it pushes out the 'old' water, causing that always the last rainwater is in the tube (if enough rain is falling). In total 54 samplers were placed out around the Paks NPP in two half circles, with radiuses 400 and 800 m, pointing east. We collected samples after a rain period on 7-8 June 2009. They were prepared and measured with liquid scintillation counting (LSC) for tritium. We measured some samples also with the 3 He-ingrowth method, to ensure better accuracy. The measurement results in Fig. 1 clearly show the trace of the tritium plume emitted from the plant. However, the highest values are not very high, compared to environmental levels, and considering the fact that all the samples were collected from the area of the plant. A numerical model was coded to calculate the washout of tritium theoretically from the meteorological and emission data, and to estimate the effect of the plant in larger distances. In Fig. 1 it is apparent that the model, however does not describe the data precisely, but gives reasonable results, especially for the outer circle. The calculations also

99 mTc-MIBI washout as a complementary factor in the evaluation of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) using myocardial perfusion imaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Shiroodi, Mohammad Kazem; Shafiei, Babak; Baharfard, Nastaran; Gheidari, Mohammad Esmail; Nazari, Babak; Pirayesh, Elaheh; Kiasat, Ali; Hoseinzadeh, Samaneh; Hashemi, Abolghassem; Akbarzadeh, Mohammad Ali; Javadi, Hamid; Nabipour, Iraj; Assadi, Majid

2012-01-01

Rapid technetium-99 m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99 mTc-MIBI) washout has been shown to occur in impaired myocardia. This study is based on the hypothesis that scintigraphy can be applied to calculate the myocardial 99 mTc-MIBI washout rate (WR) to diagnose and evaluate heart failure severity and other left ventricular functional parameters specifically in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) patients. Patients with IDCMP (n = 17; 52.65 ± 11.47 years) and normal subjects (n = 6; 49.67 ± 10.15 years) were intravenously administered 99 mTc-hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99 mTc-MIBI). Next, early and delayed planar data were acquired (at 3.5-h intervals), and electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed. The 99 mTc-MIBI WR was calculated using early and delayed planar images. Left ventricular functional parameters were also analyzed using quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) data. In target group, myocardial WRs (29.13 ± 6.68%) were significantly higher than those of control subjects (14.17 ± 3.31%; P 99 mTc-MIBI WR increased with the increasing severity of the NYHA functional class (23.16 ± 1.72% for class I, 30.25 ± 0.95% for class II, 32.60 ± 6.73% for class III, and 37.50 ± 7.77% for class IV; P = 0.02). The WR was positively correlated with the end-diastolic volume (EDV) index (r (2) = 0.216; β = 0.464; P = 0.02 [ml/m(2)], the end-systolic volume (ESV) index (r (2) = 0.234; β = 0.484; P = 0.01 [ml/m(2)]), the summed motion score (SMS) (r (2) = 0.544; β = 0.738; P = 0.00), and the summed thickening score (STS) (r (2) = 0.656; β = 0.810; P = 0.00); it was negatively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r (2) = 0.679; β = -0.824; P = 0.00). It can be concluded that 99 mTc-MIBI scintigraphy might be a valuable molecular imaging tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of myocardial damage or dysfunction severity.

Multiple breath washout with a sidestream ultrasonic flow sensor and mass spectrometry: a comparative study.

Science.gov (United States)

Fuchs, Susanne I; Buess, Christian; Lum, Sooky; Kozlowska, Wanda; Stocks, Janet; Gappa, Monika

2006-12-01

Over recent years, there has been renewed interest in the multiple breath wash-out (MBW) technique for assessing ventilation inhomogeneity (VI) as a measure of early lung disease in children. While currently considered the gold standard, use of mass spectrometry (MS) to measure MBW is not commercially available, thereby limiting widespread application of this technique. A mainstream ultrasonic flow sensor was marketed for MBW a few years ago, but its use was limited to infants. We have recently undertaken intensive modifications of both hardware and software for the ultrasonic system to extend its use for older children. The aim of the current in vivo study was to compare simultaneous measurements of end-tidal tracer gas concentrations and lung clearance index (LCI) from this modified ultrasonic device with those from a mass spectrometer. Paired measurements of three MBW, using 4% sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)) as the tracer gas and the two systems in series, were obtained in nine healthy adult volunteers. End-tidal tracer gas concentrations (n = 675 paired values) demonstrated close agreement (95% CI of difference -0.23; -0.17%, r(2) = 1). FRC was slightly higher from the MS (95%CI 0.08;0.17 L), but there was no difference in LCI (95%CI -0.10; 0.3). We conclude, that this ultrasonic prototype system measures end-tidal tracer gas concentration accurately and may therefore be a valid tool for MBW beyond early childhood. This prototype system could be the basis for a commercial device allowing more widespread application of MBW in the near future.

Evaluation of an isotope washout technique to measure skin vascular resistance and skin perfusion pressure: influence of age, site and arterial surgery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duncan, H.J.; Faris, I.B.

1986-01-01

1. A simplified isotope (sup(99m)Tc) washout technique has been devised to calculate the skin perfusion pressure (SPP) and skin vascular resistance (SVR). This test is simple, requires inexpensive equipment and is well tolerated by patients. 2. SPP and SVR were calculated in 20 patients 30 years of age and in 15 patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). With increasing age the SPP and SVP were increased. The SPP was similar to the mean arterial pressure in normal individuals but was decreased in patients with PVD. The SPP is a useful indicator of the severity of the PVD. 3. The SPP and SVR were higher in the calf than in the foot. This is probably related to the decrease in pressure in the distal arterial tree. 4. SPP was increased by 110% and skin blood flow by 190% by arterial reconstructive surgery. This test may be of use in assessing the effectiveness of arterial surgery. (author)

A comparison between 133Xenon washout technique and Laser Doppler flowmetry in the measurement of local vasoconstrictor effects on the microcirculation in subcutaneous tissue and skin

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kastrup, J; Bülow, J; Lassen, N A

1987-01-01

Changes in skin blood flow measured by Laser Doppler flowmetry and changes in subcutaneous blood flow measured by 133Xenon washout technique were compared during activation of the local sympathetic mediated veno-arteriolar vasoconstrictor reflex by lowering the area of investigation below heart...... forearm, and on the calf with preserved sympathetic nerve supply. The Laser Doppler method registered a 23% reduction in skin blood flow during lowering of the extremities independently of the sympathetic nerve supply to the skin. The 133Xenon method recorded a 44% decrease in blood flow in innervated...... level. The measurements were performed in tissue with and without sympathetic innervation. In five subjects, who all had been cervically sympathectomized for manual hyperhidrosis, the Laser Doppler and 133Xenon blood flow measurements were performed simultaneously on the sympathetically denervated...

Washout of water-soluble vitamins and of homocysteine during haemodialysis: effect of high-flux and low-flux dialyser membranes.

Science.gov (United States)

Heinz, Judith; Domröse, Ute; Westphal, Sabine; Luley, Claus; Neumann, Klaus H; Dierkes, Jutta

2008-10-01

Vitamin deficiencies are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) owing to dietary restrictions, drug-nutrient interactions, changes in metabolism, and vitamin losses during dialysis. The present study investigated the levels of serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate, plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), serum cobalamin, blood thiamine, blood riboflavin, and plasma homocysteine (tHcy) before and after haemodialysis treatment. Vitamin and tHcy blood concentrations were measured in 30 patients with ESRD before and after dialysis session either with low-flux (n = 15) or high-flux (n = 15) dialysers. After the dialysis procedure, significantly lower concentrations of serum folate (37%), plasma PLP (35%), blood thiamine (6%) and blood riboflavin (7%) were observed. No significant changes were found for serum cobalamin or for RBC folate. There were no differences in the washout of water-soluble vitamins between treatments with low-flux and high-flux membranes. Furthermore, a 41% lower concentration in tHcy was observed. The percentage decrease in tHcy was significantly greater in the patients treated with high-flux dialysers (48% vs 37%; P vitamins measured (r =-0.867, P water-soluble vitamins after dialysis, independently of the dialyser membrane. The monitoring of the vitamin status is essential in patients treated with high-flux dialysers as well as in patients treated with low-flux dialysers.

Studies of blood flow in human nasal mucosa with /sup133/Xe washout technique and laser doppler flowmetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Olsson, P.

1986-01-01

The techniques were applied for studies of the influence of environmental temperature on the human nasal mucosa, for studies of mediators in nasal allergy and for studies of the sympathetic neurogenic control of blood flow in the nasal mucosa. The results show that the two techniques are complementary to one another. The /sup133/Xe washout technique is useful for semiquantitative estimations of blood flow in the deeper parts of the mucosa, while the laser doppler technique is especially suited for continuous recordings of relative blood flow changes in the superficial part of the mucosa. Vascular changes may take part in body temperature regulation changes may take part in body temperature regulation as well as in conditioning of respiratory air. The results support the theories that changes in nasal mucosal blood flow are related to body temperature control, while conditioning of inspiratory air may be more dependent on mucosal blood content. The observed dissociation between changes in the resistance and the capacitance vessels also illustrates that these vascular segments are regulated in different ways. The present results indicate that leukotriene D/sub4/ might contribute to an increased blood flow in the nasal mucosa and to blockage of the nasal airway in the acute allergic reaction. Vasomotion is demonstrated to be present in the nasal mucosa, and it appears to be partly dependent on sympathetic neurogenic activity. The development of the present techniques, means that vascular changes involved in normal nasal function and in nasal disease may be evaluated by a new approach. (author)

Skin perfusion pressure measured by isotope washout in legs with arterial occlusive disease. Evaluation of different tracers, comparison to segmental systolic pressure, angiography and transcutaneous oxygen tension and variations during changes in systemic blood pressure

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Holstein, P; Trap-Jensen, J; Bagger, H

1983-01-01

Hg (range 18-98) (P less than 0.02). The average washout constant for the three different tracers were approximately equal and correlated statistically significant with the SPP; (2) In 59 legs with AOD, segmental SPP was compared to segmental systolic blood pressures on the thigh, calf, ankle and first...... digit (strain gauge technique). The two different methods correlated statistically significant at all four levels, but the systolic blood pressures were higher than the SPP in particular in diabetic legs; (3) Angiograms in 35 legs with AOD showed that the SPP on the ankle was only consistently decreased...

Evaluation of the Appropriate Washout Period Following Fan Therapy for Dyspnea in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Kako, Jun; Morita, Tatsuya; Yamaguchi, Takuhiro; Sekimoto, Asuko; Kobayashi, Masamitsu; Kinoshita, Hiroya; Ogawa, Asao; Zenda, Sadamoto; Uchitomi, Yosuke; Inoguchi, Hironobu; Matsushima, Eisuke

2018-02-01

To clarify the duration required for dyspnea to return to baseline severity after fan therapy, to evaluate whether fan-to-legs therapy or no fan therapy would be a suitable control therapy, and to investigate changes in patients' face surface temperature after fan therapy. In this pilot study, all participants received 3 interventions in the following order: no fan, fan to legs, and fan to face. Participants used a fan for 5 minutes, and they scored their dyspnea at 10-minute intervals for 60 minutes or until the score had returned to its baseline value, whichever occurred first. Nine patients with advanced cancer admitted to a palliative care unit were included; they had dyspnea at rest and rated its severity as at least 3 points on a 0- to 10-point numerical rating scale. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze the data. All patients completed the study. Of the 9 participants, 6 experienced a clinical benefit from using a fan to their faces. Of these patients, only 2 participants' (2 of 6) dyspnea scores returned to baseline by the end of the 60-minute assessment period after exposure to fan-to-face therapy. In fan-to-legs and no fan settings, there was no change in the dyspnea scores. There were significant differences between the baseline face surface temperature and that after fan-to-face and fan-to-legs settings. When using a crossover design to investigate the effect of fan therapy on dyspnea, 1 hour is an insufficient washout period.

The value of thyroglobulin in washout of fine needle aspirate from 16 cervical lesions in patients with thyroid cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Familiar Casado, Cristina; Antón Bravo, Teresa; Moraga Guerrero, Inmaculada; Ramos Carrasco, Araceli; García García, Carmen; Villanueva Curto, Santiago

2013-11-01

Thyroglobulin in the needle washout (Tg-FNA) and cytology of fine needle aspiration (cyto-FNA) are recommended for diagnosis of metastatic lymphadenopathies and recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the value of these procedures in 16 cervical masses from patients with thyroid cancer of the follicular epithelium (TC). The study included six patients with TC and cervical lymphadenopathies evaluated before initial thyroid surgery and 10 patients followed up after TC surgery with cervical lumps discovered. FNA was performed in all 16 masses. Results of cyto-FNA, Tg-FNA and of the combined tests were compared to the final diagnosis of each lesion. Among 10 lesions proven to be malignant at surgery, cyto-FNA, Tg-FNA and the combination of both allowed for adequate diagnosis in 7, 9, and 10 cases respectively. Among 6 lesions considered to be benign, cyto-FNA was able to confirm diagnosis in 4, was non-diagnostic in one, and was falsely negative in the remaining case, while Tg-FNA was below the established cut-off value (to consider malignancy) in all cases. In patients with TC and suspect cervical masses, Tg-FNA improved the diagnostic yield of cyto-FNA alone, thus warranting its routine recommendation when FNA is performed. However, universal standardization of the technique and definition of valid cut-off thyroglobulin values (depending on the immunoassay used) above which the lesion should be considered to be malignant are still pending. Copyright © 2013 SEEN. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

The clinical utility of lung clearance index in early cystic fibrosis lung disease is not impacted by the number of multiple-breath washout trials

Science.gov (United States)

Foong, Rachel E.; Harper, Alana J.; King, Louise; Turkovic, Lidija; Davis, Miriam; Clem, Charles C.; Davis, Stephanie D.; Ranganathan, Sarath; Hall, Graham L.

2018-01-01

The lung clearance index (LCI) from the multiple-breath washout (MBW) test is a promising surveillance tool for pre-school children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Current guidelines for MBW testing recommend that three acceptable trials are required. However, success rates to achieve these criteria are low in children aged tests with two acceptable trials. This study aimed to determine if relationships between LCI and clinical outcomes of CF lung disease differ when only two acceptable MBW trials are assessed. Healthy children and children with CF aged 3–6 years were recruited for MBW testing. Children with CF also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection and a chest computed tomography scan. MBW feasibility increased from 46% to 75% when tests with two trials were deemed acceptable compared with tests where three acceptable trials were required. Relationships between MBW outcomes and markers of pulmonary inflammation, infection and structural lung disease were not different between tests with three acceptable trials compared with tests with two acceptable trials. This study indicates that pre-school MBW data from two acceptable trials may provide sufficient information on ventilation distribution if three acceptable trials are not possible.

A comparison between 133Xenon washout technique and Laser Doppler flowmetry in the measurement of local vasoconstrictor effects on the microcirculation in subcutaneous tissue and skin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kastrup, J.; Buelow, J.; Lassen, N.A.

1987-01-01

Changes in skin blood flow measured by Laser Doppler flowmetry and changes in subcutaneous blood flow measured by 133 Xenon washout technique were compared during activation of the local sympathetic mediated veno-arteriolar vaso-constrictor reflex by lowering the area of investigation below heart level. The measurements were performed in tissue with and without sympathetic innervation. In five subjects, who all had been cervically sympathectomized for manual hyperhidrosis, the Laser Doppler and 133 Xenon blood flow measurements were performed simultaneously on the sympathetically denervated forearm, and on the calf with preserved sympathetic nerve supply. The Laser Doppler method registered a 23% reduction in skin blood flow during lowering of the extremities independently of the sympathetic nerve supply to the skin. The 133 Xenon method recorded a 44% decrease in blood flow in innervated and unchanged blood flow in denervated subcutaneous tissue during lowering of the extremities. Our results indicate that the Laser Doppler method and 133 Xenon method are not comparable, and that the Laser Doppler method is not useful in measuring local sympathetic mediated blood flow changes. (author)

Comparison between /sup 133/Xenon washout technique and Laser Doppler flowmetry in the measurement of local vasoconstrictor effects on the microcirculation in subcutaneous tissue and skin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kastrup, J.; Buelow, J.; Lassen, N.A.

1987-10-01

Changes in skin blood flow measured by Laser Doppler flowmetry and changes in subcutaneous blood flow measured by /sup 133/Xenon washout technique were compared during activation of the local sympathetic mediated veno-arteriolar vaso-constrictor reflex by lowering the area of investigation below heart level. The measurements were performed in tissue with and without sympathetic innervation. In five subjects, who all had been cervically sympathectomized for manual hyperhidrosis, the Laser Doppler and /sup 133/Xenon blood flow measurements were performed simultaneously on the sympathetically denervated forearm, and on the calf with preserved sympathetic nerve supply. The Laser Doppler method registered a 23% reduction in skin blood flow during lowering of the extremities independently of the sympathetic nerve supply to the skin. The /sup 133/Xenon method recorded a 44% decrease in blood flow in innervated and unchanged blood flow in denervated subcutaneous tissue during lowering of the extremities. Our results indicate that the Laser Doppler method and /sup 133/Xenon method are not comparable, and that the Laser Doppler method is not useful in measuring local sympathetic mediated blood flow changes.

Improved noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease by quantitative analysis of regional stress myocardial distribution and washout of thallium-201

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maddahi, J.; Garcia, E.V.; Berman, D.S.; Waxman, A.; Swan, H.J.C.; Forrester, J.

1981-01-01

Visual interpretation of stress-redistribution thallium-201 ( 201 Tl) scintigrams is subject to observer variability and is suboptimal for evaluation of extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). An objective, computerized technique has been developed that quantitatively expresses the relative space-time myocardial distribution of 201 Tl. Multiple-view, maximum-count circumferential profiles for stress myocardial distribution of 201 Tl and segmental percent washout were analyzed in a pilot group of 31 normal subjects and 20 patients with CAD to develop quantitative criteria for abnormality. Subsequently, quantitative analysis was applied prospectively to a group of 22 normal subjects and 45 CAD patients and compared with visual interpretation of scintigrams for detection and evaluation of CAD. The sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative technique (93% and 91%, respectively) were not significantly different from those of the visual method (91% and 86%). The quantitative analysis significantly (p 201 Tl imaging over the visual method in the left anterior descending artery (from 56% to 80%), left circumflex artery (from 34% to 63%) and right coronary artery (from 65% to 94%) without significant loss of specificity. Using quantitative analysis, sensitivity for detection of deseased vessels did not diminish as the number of vessels involved increased, as it did with visual interpretations. In patients with one-vessel disease, 86% of the lesions were detected by both techniques; however, in patients with three-vessel disease, quantitative analysis detected 83% of the lesions, while the sensitivity was only 53% for the visual method. Seventy percent of the coronary arteries with moderate

Effects of added antibiotics on the basic properties of anti-washout-type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement.

Science.gov (United States)

Takechi, M; Miyamoto, Y; Ishikawa, K; Nagayama, M; Kon, M; Asaoka, K; Suzuki, K

1998-02-01

The effect of added antibiotics on the basic properties of anti-washout-type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement (aw-FSCPC) was investigated in a preliminary evaluation of aw-FSCPC containing drugs. Flomoxef sodium was employed as the antibiotic and was incorporated into the powder-phase aw-FSCPC at up to 10%. The setting time, consistency, wet diametral tensile strength (DTS) value, and porosity were measured for aw-FSCPC containing various amounts of flomoxef sodium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was also conducted for the identification of products. To evaluate the drug-release profile, set aw-FSCPC was immersed in saline and the released flomoxef sodium was determined at regular intervals. The spread area of the cement paste as an index of consistency of the cement increased progressively with the addition of flomoxef sodium, and it doubled when the aw-FSCPC contained 8% flomoxef sodium. In contrast, the wet DTS value decreased with increase in flomoxef sodium content. Bulk density measurement and scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that the set mass was more porous with the amount of flomoxef sodium contained in the aw-FSCPC. The XRD analysis revealed that formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) from aw-FSCPC was reduced even after 24 h, when the aw-FSCPC contained flomoxef sodium at > or = 6%. Therefore, the decrease of wet DTS value was thought to be partly the result of the increased porosity and inhibition of HAP formation in aw-FSCPC containing large amounts of flomoxef sodium. The flomoxef sodium release from aw-FSCPC showed the typical profile observed in a skeleton-type drug delivery system (DDS). The rate of drug release from aw-FSCPC can be controlled by changing the concentration of sodium alginate. Although flomoxef sodium addition has certain disadvantageous effects on the basic properties of aw-FSCPC, we conclude that aw-FSCPC is a good candidate for potential use as a DDS carrier that may be useful in surgical operations.

Influence of thyroid gland status on the thyroglobulin cutoff level in washout fluid from cervical lymph nodes of patients with recurrent/metastatic papillary thyroid cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Jun Ho; Lee, Hyun Chul; Yi, Ha Woo; Kim, Bong Kyun; Bae, Soo Youn; Lee, Se Kyung; Choe, Jun-Ho; Kim, Jung-Han; Kim, Jee Soo

2016-04-01

The influence of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroidectomy status on Tg in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) washout fluid is unclear. A total of 282 lymph nodes were prospectively subjected to FNAC, fine-needle aspiration (FNA)-Tg measurement, and frozen and permanent biopsies. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of several predetermined FNA-Tg cutoff values for recurrence/metastasis in lymph nodes according to thyroidectomy status. The diagnostic performance of FNA-Tg varied according to thyroidectomy status. The optimized cutoff value of FNA-Tg was 2.2 ng/mL. However, among FNAC-negative lymph nodes, the FNA-Tg cutoff value of 0.9 ng/mL showed better diagnostic performance in patients with a thyroid gland. An FNA-Tg/serum-Tg cutoff ratio of 1 showed the best diagnostic performance in patients without a thyroid gland. Applying the optimal cutoff values of FNA-Tg according to thyroid gland status and serum Tg level facilitates the diagnostic evaluation of neck lymph node recurrences/metastases in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1705-E1712, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The clinical utility of lung clearance index in early cystic fibrosis lung disease is not impacted by the number of multiple-breath washout trials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rachel E. Foong

2018-02-01

Full Text Available The lung clearance index (LCI from the multiple-breath washout (MBW test is a promising surveillance tool for pre-school children with cystic fibrosis (CF. Current guidelines for MBW testing recommend that three acceptable trials are required. However, success rates to achieve these criteria are low in children aged <7 years and feasibility may improve with modified pre-school criteria that accepts tests with two acceptable trials. This study aimed to determine if relationships between LCI and clinical outcomes of CF lung disease differ when only two acceptable MBW trials are assessed. Healthy children and children with CF aged 3–6 years were recruited for MBW testing. Children with CF also underwent bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection and a chest computed tomography scan. MBW feasibility increased from 46% to 75% when tests with two trials were deemed acceptable compared with tests where three acceptable trials were required. Relationships between MBW outcomes and markers of pulmonary inflammation, infection and structural lung disease were not different between tests with three acceptable trials compared with tests with two acceptable trials. This study indicates that pre-school MBW data from two acceptable trials may provide sufficient information on ventilation distribution if three acceptable trials are not possible.

Rectosigmoid stump washout as an alternative to permanent mucous fistula in patients undergoing subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis in emergency settings.

Science.gov (United States)

Pellino, Gianluca; Sciaudone, Guido; Candilio, Giuseppe; Canonico, Silvestro; Selvaggi, Francesco

2012-01-01

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileopouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the treatment of choice for intractable or complicated ulcerative colitis(UC). Elderly patients often present with acute colitis requiring emergent subtotal colectomy(SC). Frail patients are at risk of developing septic complications related to the closed rectosigmoidal stump, often requiring formation of a second stoma to be reversed at the time of completion proctectomy. This carries nuisance to such exhausted patients. We propose a simple and inexpensive trick to avoid the need for creating a mucous fistula. IPAA was performed as a 3-stage procedure in emergency settings. The rectosigmoidal stump was closed and placed subcutaneously; skin was closed over it. After SC, if patients showed signs of stump-related pelvic sepsis, a lavage of the rectal stump with povidone iodine solution and with saline was carried out as a rescue treatment aiming to avoid the need of opening the rectal stump to drain sepsis. Thirty-five patients underwent SC for UC between 1987 and 2012. The skin was closed over the closed stump in the 20. Seven patients out of these 20 experienced early stump-related septic complication. In five cases, we were able to avoid opening of the rectal stump, and a second stoma was unnecessary. After opening the closed stump in the remaining ones, a prompt improving of symptoms was observed. Rectal washout was well tolerated and avoided a second stoma in five out of seven patients, with better quality of life and body perception after IPAA surgery. This is relevant when dealing with geriatric patients, needing to completely recover before undergoing completion proctectomy.

Basal Serum Calcitonin, After Calcium Stimulation, and in the Needle Washout of Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Mild or Moderate Basal Hypercalcitoninemia.

Science.gov (United States)

Rosario, P W; Calsolari, M R

2017-02-01

This prospective study evaluated the concentrations of basal serum calcitonin (Ctn), Ctn after stimulation with calcium, and Ctn in the needle washout (FNA-Ctn) as predictors of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in patients with thyroid nodules and basal Ctn between 10 and 100 pg/ml. Forty-one patients were included in the study. MTC was diagnosed in only 6 patients (14.6%). None of the patients with basal Ctn≤24.6 pg/ml (n=26) or stimulated Ctn≤186.5 pg/ml (n=21) had MTC. All patients without MTC had basal Ctnstimulated Ctnbasal Ctn between 24.6 and 47 pg/ml (n=12), 3 (25%) had MTC. Among patients with stimulated Ctn between 186.5 and 655.2 pg/ml (n=18), 4 (22.2%) had MTC. FNA-Ctn distinguished nodules that were MTC (n=6) from those that were not (n=60), without overlapping results. In the calcium stimulation test, 19 patients (46.3%) reported some adverse effect, but none of them was severe or required specific treatment. Our results highlight that in patients without a history suspicious for MTC, mild or moderate basal hypercalcitoninemia should not establish the diagnosis of this tumor. Depending on the concentration found, basal Ctn should be sufficient to define patient management. In doubtful cases, FNA-Ctn seems to be the best diagnostic test. Calcium stimulation testing was safe, but more studies are needed to determine the Ctn cutoff after stimulation with calcium. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Added value of thyroglobulin measurement in the fine-needle aspiration washout to diagnose cervical metastatic lymphadenopathy from papillary thyroid cancer

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Yun, Lan; Lee, Tae Hyun; Park, Dong Hee [Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2016-11-15

The aim of this study was to evaluate added value and diagnostic threshold value of thyroglobulin measurement in the fine-needle aspiration washout for detecting cervical lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer on pre and postoperative patients. Total 219 cervical lymph nodes from 180 patients with papillary thyroid cancer were evaluated for fine needle aspiration cytology and thyroglobulin in fine needle aspiration (FNA-Tg), using immunometric chemiluminescent assay. Eighty-six patients were preoperative and remaining 94 patients were on follow up after total thyroidectomy. Final diagnoses were made on pathology of dissected lymph nodes or follow-up examination for at least 12 months. One hundred and twelve metastatic lymph nodes were finally confirmed in 94 patients out of total 180 patients. Sensitivity of FNA-Tg was 99.1, 98.21, 97.20%, respectively with threshold level at 1, 10, serum Tgng/mL, which were higher sensitivity of fine needle aspiration. Combined FNA and FNA-Tg with threshold at 1, 10, 100 ng/mL raised sensitivity and specificity to 100%, respectively. All 6 lymph nodes that were false negative on FNA were correctly diagnosed as metastasis on FNA-Tg with threshold of 1, 10, 100, and serum thyroglobulin. FNA-Tg with threshold level at 100 ng/mL combined FNA showed highest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (97.56%) on preoperative patient groups among the 1, 10, 100, serum Tg threshold value. But, FNA only showed adequately high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96.96%) on postoperative patient groups. Using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis, cut off value was 57.69 in total patient, 78.66 in preoperative patient, and 32.81 in postoperative patient. FNA-Tg combined with FNA showed excellent sensitivity and specificity. FNA-Tg showed very high sensitivity and specificity at threshold level 78.66 ng/mL in preoperative patients, but FNA-Tg had less benefit on the postoperative patient group, having high

Effects of antipsoriatic treatment on cutaneous blood flow in psoriasis measured by 133Xe washout method and laser Doppler velocimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klemp, P.; Staberg, B.

1985-01-01

In 8 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, the cutaneous blood flow (CBF) was measured simultaneously in both involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin before (i.e., on the first day of hospitalization) and on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th days of treatment with tar. The 133 Xe washout method was used after epicutaneous labeling and compared to the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) technique. Control experiments were performed in 10 normal individuals. Before treatment the mean CBF in involved psoriatic skin was 62.6 +/- 18.7 SD ml X (100 g X min)-1, which is significantly higher than CBF of uninvolved skin in psoriatic patients, 9.5 +/- 4.0 SD ml X (100 g X min)-1, (p less than 0.01) and is 13.6 times higher than CBF in the normal individuals (p less than 0.01). Fifty hours following onset of treatment (i.e., after only 2 applications of tar), mean CBF of the involved psoriatic skin had decreased significantly to 35.0 +/- 13.9 SD ml X (100 g X min)-1, (p less than 0.01), which was not statistically different from the CBF on the 7th day. During the following weeks, the CBF in involved psoriatic skin decreased at a more moderate rate than that observed during the first week and was 15.0 +/- 6.1 SD ml X (100 g X min)-1 on the 28th day. This value is not significantly different from the CBF of uninvolved skin in these patients. At the end of treatment, the CBF of the uninvolved skin had decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) in all the patients to values similar to those observed in the skin of normal individuals. A parallel decline was observed in a clinical psoriatic score index; however, it is not known whether the observed decrease in CBF was preceded or succeeded by the clinical improvement

Prognostic significance of contrast-enhanced CT attenuation value in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Asayama, Yoshiki [Kyushu University, Department of Advanced Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka (Japan); Nishie, Akihiro; Ishigami, Kousei; Ushijima, Yasuhiro; Takayama, Yukihisa; Okamoto, Daisuke; Fujita, Nobuhiro; Honda, Hiroshi [Kyushu University, Departments of Clinical Radiology, Fukuoka (Japan); Ohtsuka, Takao [Kyushu University, Departments of Surgery and Oncology, Fukuoka (Japan); Yoshizumi, Tomoharu [Kyushu University, Departments of Surgery and Sciences, Fukuoka (Japan); Aishima, Shinichi [Saga University, Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga (Japan); Kyushu University, Departments of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka (Japan); Oda, Yoshinao [Kyushu University, Departments of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka (Japan)

2017-06-15

To determine whether washout characteristics of dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) could predict survival in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC). This study collected 46 resected cases. All cases were examined by dynamic contrast study on multidetector-row CT. Region-of-interest measurements were obtained at the non-enhanced, portal venous phase and delayed phase in the tumour and were used to calculate the washout ratio as follows: [(attenuation value at portal venous phase CT - attenuation value at delayed enhanced CT)/(attenuation value at portal venous phase CT - attenuation value at unenhanced CT)] x 100. On the basis of the median washout ratio, we classified the cases into two groups, a high-washout group and low-washout group. Associations between overall survival and various factors including washout rates were analysed. The median washout ratio was 29.4 %. Univariate analysis revealed that a lower washout ratio, venous invasion, lymphatic permeation and lymph node metastasis were associated with shorter survival. Multivariate analysis identified the lower washout ratio as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 3.768; p value, 0.027). The washout ratio obtained from the contrast-enhanced CT may be a useful imaging biomarker for the prediction of survival of patients with EHC. (orig.)

Noninvasive identification of left main and triple vessel coronary artery disease: improved accuracy using quantitative analysis of regional myocardial stress distribution and washout of thallium-201

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maddahi, J.; Abdulla, A.; Garcia, E.V.; Swan, H.J.; Berman, D.S.

1986-01-01

The capabilities of visual and quantitative analysis of stress redistribution thallium-201 scintigrams, exercise electrocardiography and exercise blood pressure response were compared for correct identification of extensive coronary disease, defined as left main or triple vessel coronary artery disease, or both (50% or more luminal diameter coronary narrowing), in 105 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Extensive disease was present in 56 patients and the remaining 49 had either less extensive coronary artery disease (n = 34) or normal coronary arteriograms (n = 15). Although exercise blood pressure response, exercise electrocardiography and visual thallium-201 analysis were highly specific (98, 88 and 96%, respectively), they were insensitive for identification of patients with extensive disease (14, 45 and 16%, respectively). Quantitative thallium-201 analysis significantly improved the sensitivity of visual thallium-201 analysis for identification of patients with extensive disease (from 16 to 63%, p less than 0.001) without a significant loss of specificity (96 versus 86%, p = NS). Eighteen (64%) of the 28 patients who were misclassified by visual analysis as having less extensive disease were correctly classified as having extensive disease by virtue of quantitative analysis of regional myocardial thallium-201 washout. When the results of quantitative thallium-201 analysis were combined with those of blood pressure and electrocardiographic response to exercise, the sensitivity and specificity for identification of patients with extensive disease was 86 and 76%, respectively, and the highest overall accuracy (0.82) was obtained

Chronic levodopa administration followed by a washout period increased number and induced phenotypic changes in striatal dopaminergic cells in MPTP-monkeys.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Carla DiCaudo

Full Text Available In addition to the medium spiny neurons the mammalian striatum contains a small population of GABAergic interneurons that are immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, which dramatically increases after lesions to the nigrostriatal pathway and striatal delivery of neurotrophic factors. The regulatory effect of levodopa (L-Dopa on the number and phenotype of these cells is less well understood. Eleven macaques (Macaca fascicularis were included. Group I (n = 4 received 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP and L-Dopa; Group II (n = 4 was treated with MPTP plus vehicle and Group III (n = 3 consist of intact animals (control group. L-Dopa and vehicle were given for 1 year and animals sacrificed 6 months later. Immunohistochemistry against TH was used to identify striatal and nigral dopaminergic cells. Double and triple labeling immunofluorescence was performed to detect the neurochemical characteristics of the striatal TH-ir cells using antibodies against: TH, anti-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD(67 anti-calretinin (CR anti-dopa decarboxylase (DDC and anti-dopamine and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32. The greatest density of TH-ir striatal cells was detected in the striatum of the L-Dopa treated monkeys and particularly in its associative territory. None of the striatal TH-ir cell expressed DARPP-32 indicating they are interneurons. The percentages of TH-ir cells that expressed GAD67 and DDC was approximately 50%. Interestingly, we found that in the L-Dopa group the number of TH/CR expressing cells was significantly reduced. We conclude that chronic L-Dopa administration produced a long-lasting increase in the number of TH-ir cells, even after a washout period of 6 months. L-Dopa also modified the phenotype of these cells with a significant reduction of the TH/CR phenotype in favor of an increased number of TH/GAD cells that do not express CR. We suggest that the increased number of striatal TH-ir cells might be involved

Comparative study of uptake and washout of 99mTcN(NOEt)2 with 99mTc-MIBI in human cervical carcinoma cell lines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xing Shi'an; Zhang Yongxue; An Rui

2002-01-01

Objective: to investigate the cellular kinetics of bis (N-ethoxy-N-ethyl dithiocarbamato) nitrido 99m Tc(V) [ 99m TcN (NOEt) 2 ] in human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela and to compare it with that of 99m Tc hexakis-2- methoxyisobutyl isonitrile ( 99m Tc-MIBI), and hence to define the possible clinical value of 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 in tumor imaging. Methods: Using radionuclide tracer technique, 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 and 99m Tc-MIBI were incubated with human cervical carcinoma cell lines Hela at 37 degree C and at 22 degree C respectively. At several incubation times, the uptake and washout characteristics of the radiotracers in human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela were investigated and compared. Results: The maximum uptake of 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 in Hela was 46.15% and that of 99m Tc-MIBI was 12.6% (P 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 after 5 min incubation in human cervical carcinoma cell line Hela was 65% of the total uptake, while that of 99m Tc-MIBI was 50% of the total uptake (P 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 was retained in the Hela cells at one hour while 56.67% of 99m Tc-MIBI was retained (P 99m Tc-MIBI, the cellular kinetics of 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 was not temperature-dependent (the cellular kinetics is similar at 37 degree C and at 22 degree C, P>0.05). Conclusions: In vitro data suggest that 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 may be a better tracer than 99m Tc-MIBI in tumor imaging and 99m TcN(NOEt) 2 has potential application in clinical use

Comparison of initial and delayed myocardial imaging with beta-methyl-p-[123I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid in acute myocardial infarction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naruse, Hitoshi; Yoshimura, Noriko; Yamamoto, Juro; Morita, Masato; Fukutake, Naoshige; Ohyanagi, Mitsumasa; Iwasaki, Tadaaki; Fukuchi, Minoru

1994-01-01

Myocardial imaging using β-methyl-p-[ 123 I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) of 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction was performed to assess 'fill-in' and 'washout' defects in the delayed myocardial image. The initial and delayed images were evaluated by a visual and quantitative washout rate method. Visual judgement found 8/180 (4%) segments showed 'fill-in' defects, and 24/180 segments (13%) showed 'washout' defects. There was no relationship between days from onset to the study and the frequency of fill-in and washout defects. The mean washout rate in the segments with 'fill-in' defects was 9.0±16.6%, and that of 'washout' defects was 24.9±18.1% which was significantly higher than in controls (8.7±15.4%, p<0.05). There was no correlation between mean washout rate and total blood lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol. Therefore, neither time from onset nor blood lipids level was related to changes from the initial image to the delayed image. These changes may be due to relative (false) findings due to changes in circumference, and may be based on myocardial characteristics after myocardial infarction and/or reperfusion. (author)

[Comparison of initial and delayed myocardial imaging with beta-methyl-p-[123I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid in acute myocardial infarction].

Science.gov (United States)

Naruse, H; Yoshimura, N; Yamamoto, J; Morita, M; Fukutake, N; Ohyanagi, M; Iwasaki, T; Fukuchi, M

1994-01-01

Myocardial imaging using beta-methyl-p-[123I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) of 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction was performed to assess "fill-in" and "washout" defects in the delayed myocardial image. The initial and delayed images were evaluated by a visual and quantitative washout rate method. Visual judgement found 8/180 (4%) segments showed "fill-in" defects, and 24/180 segments (13%) showed "washout" defects. There was no relationship between days from onset to the study and the frequency of fill-in and washout defects. The mean washout rate in the segments with "fill-in" defects was 9.0 +/- 16.6%, and that of "washout" defects was 24.9 +/- 18.1% which was significantly higher than in controls (8.7 +/- 15.4%, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between mean washout rate and total blood lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol. Therefore, neither time from onset nor blood lipids level was related to changes from the initial image to the delayed image. These changes may be due to relative (false) findings due to changes in circumference, and may be based on myocardial characteristics after myocardial infarction and/or reperfusion.

Comparison of initial and delayed myocardial imaging with beta-methyl-p-[[sup 123]I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid in acute myocardial infarction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naruse, Hitoshi; Yoshimura, Noriko; Yamamoto, Juro; Morita, Masato; Fukutake, Naoshige; Ohyanagi, Mitsumasa; Iwasaki, Tadaaki; Fukuchi, Minoru (Hyogo Coll. of Medicine, Nishinomiya (Japan))

Myocardial imaging using [beta]-methyl-p-[[sup 123]I]-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) of 15 patients with acute myocardial infarction was performed to assess 'fill-in' and 'washout' defects in the delayed myocardial image. The initial and delayed images were evaluated by a visual and quantitative washout rate method. Visual judgement found 8/180 (4%) segments showed 'fill-in' defects, and 24/180 segments (13%) showed 'washout' defects. There was no relationship between days from onset to the study and the frequency of fill-in and washout defects. The mean washout rate in the segments with 'fill-in' defects was 9.0[+-]16.6%, and that of 'washout' defects was 24.9[+-]18.1% which was significantly higher than in controls (8.7[+-]15.4%, p<0.05). There was no correlation between mean washout rate and total blood lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol. Therefore, neither time from onset nor blood lipids level was related to changes from the initial image to the delayed image. These changes may be due to relative (false) findings due to changes in circumference, and may be based on myocardial characteristics after myocardial infarction and/or reperfusion. (author).

Precipitation scavenging of tritiated water vapour (HTO)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ogram, G.L.

1985-10-01

Precipitation scavenging (or washout) is an important mechanism for the removal of HTO from the atmosphere. Methods of parameterizing the depletion of a plume of HTO released to the atmosphere are examined. Simple approaches, commonly used for atmospheric transport modelling purposes, such as the use of a constant washout coefficient or washout ratio, or the use of parameters based on equilibrium assumptions, are often not justified. It is shown that these parameters depend strongly on ambient temperature and plume dimensions, as well as rainfall rate. An approximate expression for washout ratio, as a function of these variables, is developed, and it is shown that near equilibrium washout conditions are only expected to hold at long plume travel distances. A possible method of treating scavenging by snow is also suggested

Diagnosis and prognosis of elderly patients with coronary artery disease. Assessment with dipyridamole thallium imaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamasaki, Fumiyasu; Takata, Jun; Seo, Hiromi; Chikamori, Taishiro; Yamada, Mitsutoshi; Yabe, Toshikazu; Doi, Yoshinori

1995-01-01

The diagnostic and prognostic value of dipyridamole perfusion scintigraphy was assessed in 147 patients with coronary artery disease aged 65 years and older. All patients underwent coronary angiography. Dipyridamole perfusion scintigraphy was performed safely in all patients. Multiple regression analysis showed that fixed defect and reversible defect were powerful detectors of coronary lesions, all patients with fixed disease and 94% of patients with only reversible defects had significant coronary lesion. Diffuse slow washout and ST depression were statistically significant for detection multivessel coronary lesions in patients with fixed disease, the sensitivity and specificity of diffuse slow washout and/or ST depression for detecting multivessel coronary lesions were 85% and 74%, respectively. Cox survival analysis identified diffuse slow washout as the best predictor of future cardiac events among the scintigraphic variables. Univariate analysis showed the best predictors were age (≥70), diffuse slow washout, and severe coronary lesions. Multivariate analysis showed diffuse slow washout and severe coronary lesions were the best predictors. Dividing the patients by age (≥70) showed that age and diffuse slow washout were good predictors. Scintigraphic and angiographic parameters found diffuse slow washout was the only good predictor. Dipyridamole perfusion scintigraphy is useful for the noninvasive detection of significant coronary artery disease in the elderly, and for predicting future cardiac events with similar predictability to angiographic findings. (S.Y.)

The diagnostic value of thyroglobulin concentration in fine-needle aspiration of the cervical lymph nodes in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mikosinski, S.; Oszukowska, L.; Makarewicz, J.; Adamczewski, Z.; Lewinski, A.; Pomorski, L.; Sporny, S.

2006-01-01

Introduction: Recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer generally occurs first in the neck. Ultrasound is sensitive in detecting enlarged cervical lymph nodes but is not specific enough. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy increases the specificity but still may fail to detect a recurrence of the disease in the cystic metastatic lymph nodes. The aim of the study was to estimate the value of Tg concentration in the needle washout after fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lymph nodes. Material and methods: The 105 patients studied had presented one or more enlarged suspicious cervical lymph nodes. All had undergone total thyroidectomy and 131I ablative therapy. Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration was within the 0.15 - 711.5 ng/ml range (mean 22.24 ng/ml) and Tg recovery range 94 - 100%. The positive Tg washout concentration cut-off value was established as equal to the mean plus two standard deviations of the Tg washout concentration of patients with negative cytology. Results: Lymph node involvement was diagnosed by cytology in 15 patients and in 28 lymph nodes. Positive Tg washout concentration was found in 22 patients and in 48 lymph nodes. All the lymph nodes which turned out to have positive cytology had a positive Tg washout concentration. All lymph nodes with positive cytology were positive in pathology. Seven patients and 20 lymph nodes with negative cytology were positive in the Tg washout concentration test. All but one patients and all but two lymph nodes with a positive Tg washout concentration had positive pathology. Conclusions: 1. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy is not sensitive enough to detect all metastatic lymph nodes. 2. The Tg washout concentration test is 100% sensitive in the detection of metastatic lymph nodes. 3. Cytology in ultrasound- guided fine-needle biopsy is 100% specific. 4. The Tg washout concentration test carries a risk of false-positive results. 5. Both methods should be used for early detection of metastatic lymph nodes

Self-flowing underwater concrete mixtures for high rise structures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yousri, K.M.

2005-01-01

Placement of conventional concrete mixtures in underwater construction results in a high percentage of material loss due to washout of cement paste. This paper presents the influence of anti washout admixture (AWA) on various properties of concrete. Eleven self-flowing concrete (SFC) mixtures using type II cement were proportioned. A combination of low water cement (w/c), high cement contents, anti washout admixtures, fly ash, and silica fume were used to enhance the resistance of fresh concrete to washout. The concrete mixtures proportioned to be highly flow able, self-leveling and cohesive. The water-cementitious materials ratios ranged between 0.356 and 0.392 which correspond a typical underwater concrete mixture. The concrete mixtures were tested for slump, slump flow, washout resistance and compressive strength. The compressive strength of each concrete mixture cast underwater was determined at 3, 7, 28 days and compared with the compressive strength of the same concrete mixture cast in normal condition (in air). Test results indicated that the use of an AWA facilitates the production of flow able concrete mixtures with the added benefit of lower washout loss. Concrete mixture proportioned using Type II cement and fly ash at level of replacement of 15% was found to develop self flowing concrete with better fresh and hardened properties and more resistant to washout. The self-flowing underwater concretes developed a 28-day compressive strengths ranging from 20 to 28 MPa

Assessment of myocardial fatty acid metabolism in patients with angina pectoris and diabetes mellitus using 123I-BMIPP myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ito, Kazuki; Tanabe, Takuji; Yuba, Tatsuya; Doue, Tomoki; Adachi, Yoshihiko; Katoh, Shuuji; Sugihara, Hiroki; Azuma, Akihiro; Nakagawa, Masao

2001-01-01

We studied the effect of myocardial ischemia and diabetes mellitus (DM) on the myocardial fatty acid metabolism using 123 I-BMIPP myocardial scintigraphy. We performed 123 I-BMIPP myocardial scintigraphy in 50 patients with myocardial ischemia and without DM (AP), in 30 patients with myocardial ischemia and DM (AP+DM), 12 patients with DM and without myocardial ischemia (DM), and in 10 normal subjects (N). Myocardial uptake rate of 123 I-BMIPP was obtained using the time activity curve. Myocardial washout rate of 123 I-BMIPP was calculated using the polar images of early and delayed SPECT images. Myocardial uptake rate of 123 I-BMIPP (%) were AP: 4.9±0.6, AP+DM: 5.5±0.5, DM 5.7±0.5 and N: 5.0±0.4. 123 I-BMIPP myocardial uptake rate was increased in AP+DM and DM. 123 I-BMIPP myocardial washout rate (%) were AP: 30.2±4.3, AP+DM: 24.5±3.9, DM: 16.1±2.8 and N: 19.4±3.2. 123 I-BMIPP myocardial washout rate was increased in AP and AP+DM. 123 I-BMIPP myocardial washout rate was increased particularly in patients with multi-vessels disease. 123 I-BMIPP myocardial washout rate was decreased in DM. The present study suggested that diabetes mellitus increased myocardial fatty acid uptake and decreased myocardial fatty acid washout, and that myocardial ischemia increased myocardial fatty acid washout. (author)

Regional myocardial perfusion in patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, at rest and during angina pectoris induced by tachycardia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maseri, A.; L'Abbate, A.; Pesola, A.; Michelassi, C.; Marzilli, M.; De Nes, M.

1977-01-01

We studied regional myocardial perfusion by scintigraphic computer-assisted analysis of initial distribution, washout rates, and residual activity of 133 Xe injected into the left coronary artery of four patients with normal arteriograms and 14 patients with coronary stenosis. At rest, residual activity in poststenotic regions was always greater than in control regions, but initial washout rates were not slower. During angina, following xenon injections, the amount of indicator distributed to the poststenotic regions was markedly reduced; the increase of the initial washout rates was smaller than in control regions relative to rest, and residual activity was higher. Initial washout rates did not differ as much as from those of normal myocardium because in severe ischemia too little indicator is deposited initially in these regions to produce a change of any magnitude. Indeed, when angina was induced immediately after the xenon injection, poststenotic washout rates became much slower during angina than at rest, a finding that implicates functional factors in impairing poststenotic myocardial perfusion during angina

Myocardial thallium-201 kinetics in normal and ischemic myocardium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grunwald, A.M.; Watson, D.D.; Holzgrefe, H.H. Jr.; Irving, J.F.; Beller, G.A.

1981-01-01

The net myocardial accumulation of thallium-201 after injection depends upon the net balance between continuing myocardial extraction from low levels of recirculating thallium in the blood compartment and the net rate of efflux of thallium from the myocardium into the extracardiac blood pool. These experiments were designed to measure separately the myocardial extraction and intrinsic myocardial efflux of thallium-201 at normal and at reduced rates of myocardial blood flow. The average myocardial extraction fraction at normal blood flow in 10 anesthetized dogs was 82 +/- 6% (+/- SD) at normal coronary arterial perfusion pressures and increased insignificantly, to 85 +/- 7%, at coronary perfusion pressures of 10--35 mm Hg. At normal coronary arterial perfusion pressures in 12 additional dogs, the intrinsic thallium washout in the absence of systemic recirculation had a half-time (T 1/2) of 54 +/- 7 minutes. The intrinsic cellular washout rate began to increase as distal perfusion pressures fell below 60 mm Hg and increased markedly to a T 1/2 of 300 minutes at perfusion pressures of 25--30 mm Hg. A second, more rapid component of intrinsic thallium washout (T 1/2 2.5 minutes) representing approximately 7% of the total initially extracted myocardial thallium was observed. The faster washout component is presumed to be due to washout of interstitial thallium unextracted by myocardial cells, whereas the slower component is presumed due to intracellular washout. The net clearance time of thallium measured after i.v. injection is much longer than the intrinsic myocardial cellular washout rate because of continuous replacement of myocardial thallium from systemic recirculation. Myocardial redistribution of thallium-201 in states of chronically reduced perfusion cannot be the result of increased myocardial extraction efficiency, but rather, is the result of the slower intrinsic cellular washout rate at reduced perfusion levels

Effect of hypoxia on thallium kinetics in cultured chick myocardial cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Friedman, B.J.; Beihn, R.; Friedman, J.P.

1987-01-01

To assess the effect of hypoxia on cellular thallium-201 ( 201 Tl) uptake and washout independent of coronary flow, we studied thallium kinetics during normoxia and hypoxia in cultured chick ventricular cells. Monolayers of contracting ventricular cells grown on coverslips were placed in a chamber and perfused to asymptote with media containing 201 Tl. Perfusates were equilibrated with 5% CO 2 -95% air or 5% CO 2 -95% nitrogen for normoxia and hypoxia, respectively. Washout thallium kinetics were then observed during perfusion with unlabeled media. Twenty paired experiments were performed, randomly alternating the sequence of normoxia and hypoxia. Pharmacokinetics for thallium were determined by computer using standard formulae. Thallium uptake and washout were best described by assuming that intracellular thallium was contained within a single compartment. Cellular thallium uptake, as well as transfer rate constants for thallium uptake and for thallium washout during normoxia and hypoxia, were compared using paired t-tests. During normoxia and hypoxia, respectively, thallium uptake was 22 +/- 7% and 19 +/- 7% of asymptote (p less than 0.01); the compartmental rate constant for uptake by the cell was 0.16 +/- 0.07 min-1 and 0.15 +/- 0.06 min-1 (N.S.); and the transfer rate constant for washout from the cell was 0.26 +/- 0.06 min-1 and 0.23 +/- 0.05 min-1 (p less than 0.01). We conclude that there was a small (14%) decrease in thallium uptake during hypoxia. The rate of thallium uptake and washout was slightly less during hypoxia, although only the rate of washout was significantly less. These data show that cellular accumulation of thallium and the rate of washout of thallium were minimally decreased by hypoxia independent of blood flow

Anisotropic models to account for large borehole washouts to estimate gas hydrate saturations in the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II Alaminos 21 B well

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, M.W.; Collett, T.S.; Lewis, K.A.

2012-01-01

Through the use of 3-D seismic amplitude mapping, several gashydrate prospects were identified in the Alaminos Canyon (AC) area of the Gulf of Mexico. Two locations were drilled as part of the Gulf of MexicoGasHydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II (JIP Leg II) in May of 2009 and a comprehensive set of logging-while-drilling (LWD) logs were acquired at each well site. LWD logs indicated that resistivity in the range of ~2 ohm-m and P-wave velocity in the range of ~1.9 km/s were measured in the target sand interval between 515 and 645 feet below sea floor. These values were slightly elevated relative to those measured in the sediment above and below the target sand. However, the initial well log analysis was inconclusive regarding the presence of gashydrate in the logged sand interval, mainly because largewashouts caused by drilling in the target interval degraded confidence in the well log measurements. To assess gashydratesaturations in the sedimentary section drilled in the Alaminos Canyon 21B (AC21-B) well, a method of compensating for the effect of washouts on the resistivity and acoustic velocities was developed. The proposed method models the washed-out portion of the borehole as a vertical layer filled with sea water (drilling fluid) and the apparent anisotropic resistivity and velocities caused by a vertical layer are used to correct the measured log values. By incorporating the conventional marine seismic data into the well log analysis, the average gashydratesaturation in the target sand section in the AC21-Bwell can be constrained to the range of 8–28%, with 20% being our best estimate.

The washout rate of (123)I-BMIPP and the evolution of left ventricular function in patients with successfully reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: comparisons with the echocardiography.

Science.gov (United States)

Biswas, Shankar K; Sarai, Masayoshi; Yamada, Akira; Toyama, Hiroshi; Motoyama, Sadako; Harigaya, Hiroto; Hara, Tomonori; Naruse, Hiroyuki; Hishida, Hitoshi; Ozaki, Yukio

2010-02-01

The evolution of the oxidative metabolism of (11)C acetate parallels the recovery of left ventricular(LV) contraction following acute myocardial infarction(AMI). This study was designed to unravel, for the first time, the impact of the global washout rate(WR) of (123)I-beta-methyl-p-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) on the recovery of LV function followingAMI, as evidenced from conventional echocardiography.Twenty consecutive patients (age: 58 +/- 13 years; 16 males and 4 females) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were enrolled and all of them underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). (123)I-BMIPP cardiac scintigraphy was performed at 7 +/- 3 days after admission. The WR was calculated from the polar map and the regional BMIPP defect score was calculated using a 17 segment model. Echocardiography was performed within 24 h of admission and at 3 months to record the ejection fraction (EF), the wall motion score index (WMSI), the ratio of the mitralinflow velocity to the early diastolic velocity (E/E0)and the myocardial performance index (MPI). The mean global WR of the BMIPP was 22.12 +/- 7.22%, and it was significantly correlated with the improvement of the WMSI (r = 0.61, P\\0.004). However,the relative changes of the EF, E/E0 and MPI were not correlated with the WR. The BMIPP defect score (18 +/- 10) was significantly correlated with the WMSI on admission (r = 0.74, P = 0.0002), but the defect score was not correlated with the relative changes of any of the echocardiographic parameters. We proved that the WR of the BMIPP is a promising indicator of improvement of the LV wall motion (WMSI) following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and successful reperfusion.

Test–retest repeatability of quantitative cardiac 11C-meta-hydroxyephedrine measurements in rats by small animal positron emission tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thackeray, James T.; Renaud, Jennifer M.; Kordos, Myra; Klein, Ran; Kemp, Robert A. de; Beanlands, Rob S.B.; DaSilva, Jean N.

2013-01-01

Introduction: The norepinephrine analogue 11 C-meta-hydroxyephedrine (HED) has been used to interrogate sympathetic neuronal reuptake in cardiovascular disease. Application for longitudinal studies in small animal models of disease necessitates an understanding of test–retest variability. This study evaluated the repeatability of multiple quantitative cardiac measurements of HED retention and washout and the pharmacological response to reuptake blockade and enhanced norepinephrine levels. Methods: Small animal PET images were acquired over 60 min following HED administration to healthy male Sprague Dawley rats. Paired test and retest scans were undertaken in individual animals over 7 days. Additional HED scans were conducted following administration of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine or continuous infusion of exogenous norepinephrine. HED retention was quantified by retention index, standardized uptake value (SUV), monoexponential and one-compartment washout. Plasma and cardiac norepinephrine were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Test retest variability was lower for retention index (15% ± 12%) and SUV (19% ± 15%) as compared to monoexponential washout rates (21% ± 13%). Desipramine pretreatment reduced myocardial HED retention index by 69% and SUV by 85%. Chase treatment with desipramine increased monoexponential HED washout by 197% compared to untreated controls. Norepinephrine infusion dose-dependently reduced HED accumulation, reflected by both retention index and SUV, with a corresponding increase in monoexponential washout. Plasma and cardiac norepinephrine levels correlated with HED quantitative measurements. Conclusion: The repeatability of HED retention index, SUV, and monoexponential washout supports its suitability for longitudinal PET studies in rats. Uptake and washout of HED are sensitive to acute increases in norepinephrine concentration

Intraperitoneal xenon for the detection of early intestinal ischemia: effect of ascites, adhesions, and misdirected injections

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gharagozloo, F.; Bulkley, G.B.; LaFrance, N.; Zuidema, G.D.

1983-01-01

Significant delay in the washout of intraperitoneal xenon ( 133 Xe) in rats and dogs with decreased splanchnic blood flow (bowel strangulation, superior mesenteric artery and vein occlusion) has been previously demonstrated as the basis for radionuclide imaging to detect early (prenecrotic) intestinal ischemia. In this study, the effect of ascites, adhesions, and misdirected injections on the validity of this technique is evaluated. Xenon-133 (0.6 mCi) in 3 ml saline was injected into the peritoneal cavity of anesthetized rats and the washout of gamma activity monitored externally for 90 min. Gamma camera images were obtained at 30-min intervals. After 60 min, only 12 +/- 2% of injected activity remained in the controls. Sham option (13 +/- 1%) and simple obstruction (12 +/- 2) had been previously shown not to significantly slow washout, but segmental strangulation had done so dramatically (32 +/- 2%, P less than 0.0001). In these experiments, ascitic fluid (Ringer's lactate) in volumes of 10 ml (13 +/- 1%), 20 ml (13 +/- 1%), and 40 ml (13 +/- 1%), did not significantly slow washout in nonischemic rats. Sixty and eighty milliliters produced very tense ascites and slight but significant delay in washout (14 +/- 1%, 17 +/- 1%, respectively, P less than 0.05). Moderate (11 +/- 1%) and severe (11 +/- 1%) adhesions produced by serosal scarification did not delay washout nor affect imaging. Injections of isotope intentionally misdirected into the abdominal wall (32 +/- 2%), bowel wall (18 +/- 1%), and bowel lumen (19 +/- 2%), each significantly (P less than 0.001) slowed washout. However, such misdirected injections were easily recognizable as such on the 1-min gamma camera images and could thereby be excluded as artifactual. It is concluded that the intraperitoneal xenon technique is not invalidated by mild to moderate ascites nor by moderate to severe adhesions

Intraperitoneal xenon for the detection of early intestinal ischemia: effect of ascites, adhesions, and misdirected injections

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gharagozloo, F.; Bulkley, G.B.; LaFrance, N.; Zuidema, G.D.

1983-06-01

Significant delay in the washout of intraperitoneal xenon (/sup 133/Xe) in rats and dogs with decreased splanchnic blood flow (bowel strangulation, superior mesenteric artery and vein occlusion) has been previously demonstrated as the basis for radionuclide imaging to detect early (prenecrotic) intestinal ischemia. In this study, the effect of ascites, adhesions, and misdirected injections on the validity of this technique is evaluated. Xenon-133 (0.6 mCi) in 3 ml saline was injected into the peritoneal cavity of anesthetized rats and the washout of gamma activity monitored externally for 90 min. Gamma camera images were obtained at 30-min intervals. After 60 min, only 12 +/- 2% of injected activity remained in the controls. Sham option (13 +/- 1%) and simple obstruction (12 +/- 2) had been previously shown not to significantly slow washout, but segmental strangulation had done so dramatically (32 +/- 2%, P less than 0.0001). In these experiments, ascitic fluid (Ringer's lactate) in volumes of 10 ml (13 +/- 1%), 20 ml (13 +/- 1%), and 40 ml (13 +/- 1%), did not significantly slow washout in nonischemic rats. Sixty and eighty milliliters produced very tense ascites and slight but significant delay in washout (14 +/- 1%, 17 +/- 1%, respectively, P less than 0.05). Moderate (11 +/- 1%) and severe (11 +/- 1%) adhesions produced by serosal scarification did not delay washout nor affect imaging. Injections of isotope intentionally misdirected into the abdominal wall (32 +/- 2%), bowel wall (18 +/- 1%), and bowel lumen (19 +/- 2%), each significantly (P less than 0.001) slowed washout. However, such misdirected injections were easily recognizable as such on the 1-min gamma camera images and could thereby be excluded as artifactual. It is concluded that the intraperitoneal xenon technique is not invalidated by mild to moderate ascites nor by moderate to severe adhesions.

Clinical studies on myocardial damage in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using exercise testing with thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Igarashi, Yutaka

1986-01-01

Twenty-eight patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) associated with normal coronary angiogram were categorized into four groups according to the distribution of disproportional hypertrophy in the left ventriculography and biventriculography. The circumferential profiles based on the scintigram were analyzed with reference to the relationship between washout rate and disproportional hypertrophy. As compared with the control group, the mean values of initial uptake in the four HCM-groups decreased in the apical segments and the lower part of anteroseptal segments which were reflected disproportional hypertrophy. The mean values increased significantly in the upper part of anteroseptal segments which projected the largest amount of myocardium three-dimensionally. The mean values of washout rate in the four HCM-groups decreased significantly in all segments, especially in the segments which were reflected in disproportional hypertrophy, and also decreased equally in the segments with the increased initial uptake. In comparison between the segmental values in each HCM-patient and those in the control group, the initial uptake and/or washout rate decreased below the mean value-2SD of the control group in the profiles of 17 out of 28 HCM-patients. The segments with decreased washout rate and normal limit of initial uptake were observed in 12 out of 17 patients. In 25 segments out of the total segments in HCM-patients, an initial uptake and/or washout rate fell down below the normal limit. The washout rate decreased, the initial uptake remained normal in 21 out of 25 segments, and 16 out of 21 segments were reflected in disproportionally hypertrophic wall. In the posterolateral segment which is the thinnest wall in the left ventricular wall of HCM, the mean value of washout rate significantly decreased in 20 patients with normal limit of initial uptake, as compared with the control group. (J.P.N.)

Quantitative analysis of thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanemoto, Nariaki; Hoer, G.; Johost, S.; Maul, F.-D.; Standke, R.

1981-01-01

The method of quantitative analysis of thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy using computer assisted technique was described. Calculated indices are washout factor, vitality index and redistribution factor. Washout factor is the ratio of counts at certain period of time after exercise and immediately after exercise. This value is neccessary for the evaluation of redistribution to the ischemic areas in serial imagings to correct the Tl-201 washout from the myocardium under the assumption that the washout is constant in the whole myocardium. Vitality index is the ratio between the Tl-201 uptake in the region of interest and that of the maximum. Redistribution factor is the ratio of the redistribution in the region of interest in serial imagings after exercise to that of immediately after exercise. Four examples of exercise Tl-201 myocardial scintigrams and the quantitative analyses before and after the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were presented. (author)

Assessment of pulmonary ventilation patterns by nonradioactive Xe enhanced CT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shiraishi, Tomokuni; Mizuno, Masayoshi; Harima, Yoko; Kobayashi, Akitomo; Hasegawa, Takeo

1984-01-01

To assess the patterns of regional pulmonary ventilation in conjunction with pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary Xe enhanced CT was performed in 26 patients with interstitial disorders including 3 with chest irradiation and 23 with old myocardial infarction and in 2 control patients. Washout time was short and its patterns were not influenced by an increased or decreased blood flow in the control group. In the group with chest irradiation, a decreased blood flow and slight disturbance were seen in the affected lung, while an increased blood flow and a slightly increased resistance of the pulmonary periphery were suspected in the opposite lung. Furthermore, a prolonged washout and relative reduction of the washout seemed to be reflective of the interstitial degeneration and decreased blood flow, respectively. In the group with old myocardial infarction, the prolongation of washout became marked because of a decreased blood flow caused by venous congestion. (Namekawa, K.)

Development and validation of a direct-comparison method for cardiac {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine washout rates derived from late 3-hour and 4-hour imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Okuda, Koichi; Hashimoto, Mitsumasa [Kanazawa Medical University, Department of Physics, Kahoku, Ishikawa (Japan); Nakajima, Kenichi; Matsuo, Shinro; Taki, Junichi; Kinuya, Seigo [Kanazawa University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kanazawa, Ishikawa (Japan); Sugino, Shuichi [Okayama Kyokuto Hospital, Department of Radiology, Okayama, Okayama (Japan); Kirihara, Yumiko [FUJIFILM RI Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-Ku, Tokyo (Japan)

2016-02-15

The washout rate (WR) has been used in {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging to evaluate cardiac sympathetic innervation. However, WR varies depending on the time between the early and late MIBG scans. Late scans are performed at either 3 or 4 hours after injection of MIBG. The aim of this study was to directly compare the WR at 3 hours (WR{sub 3h}) with the WR at 4 hours (WR{sub 4h}). We hypothesized that the cardiac count would reduce linearly between the 3-hour and 4-hour scans. A linear regression model for cardiac counts at two time-points was generated. We enrolled a total of 96 patients who underwent planar {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy early (15 min) and during the late phase at both 3 and 4 hours. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a model-creation group (group 1) and a clinical validation group (group 2). Cardiac counts at 15 minutes (count{sub early}), 3 hours (count{sub 3h}) and 4 hours (count{sub 4h}) were measured. Cardiac count{sub 4h} was mathematically estimated using the linear regression model from count{sub early} and count{sub 3h}. In group 1, the actual cardiac count{sub 4h}/count{sub early} was highly significantly correlated with count{sub 3h}/count{sub early} (r = 0.979). In group 2, the average estimated count{sub 4h} was 92.8 ± 31.9, and there was no significant difference between this value and the actual count{sub 4h} (91.9 ± 31.9). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a small bias of -0.9 with 95 % limits of agreement of -6.2 and +4.3. WR{sub 4h} calculated using the estimated cardiac count{sub 4h} was comparable to the actual WR{sub 4h} (24.3 ± 9.6 % vs. 25.1 ± 9.7 %, p = ns). Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient showed that there was excellent agreement between the estimated and actual WR{sub 4h}. The linear regression model that we used accurately estimated cardiac count{sub 4h} using count{sub early} and count{sub 3h}. Moreover, WR{sub 4h} that was mathematically calculated using

Contrast-enhanced dynamic and diffusion-weighted MR imaging at 3.0 T to assess aggressiveness of bladder cancer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhou, Guoxing, E-mail: sheasthospital@163.com [Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120 (China); Chen, Xiao, E-mail: chx_win@163.com [Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120 (China); Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029 (China); Zhang, Jianhua [Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120 (China); Zhu, Jingqi, E-mail: zjh1830@easthospital.cn [Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120 (China); Zong, Genlin, E-mail: zgl0577@easthospital.cn [Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120 (China); Wang, Zhongqiu, E-mail: zhq2001us@163.com [Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029 (China)

2014-11-15

Highlights: • Wash out rate is associated with the aggressiveness of bladder cancer (BC). • Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value could be used to assess the aggressiveness of BC. • The diagnostic accuracy of aggressiveness of BC using ADC was better than semi-quantitative parameters. • Our data showed a good diagnostic performance of ADC and wash-out together in assessing BC aggressiveness. - Abstract: Background: Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI have been considered useful for pathological staging and histological grading in bladder cancer. To our knowledge, no study has combined the two imaging modalities together to assess aggressiveness of bladder cancer. Objective: To assess the clinical aggressiveness of bladder cancer with DCE MRI and DWI at 3.0 T. Materials and methods: A total of 59 patients with 69 pathologically confirmed tumor lesions were included in this study. All patients underwent MR examination at 3.0 T basing on DWI and DCE imaging. Tumor staging and histological grade were evaluated. The aggressiveness of bladder cancer was classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-aggressiveness according to its pathological phenotype. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and semi-quantitative parameters (wash-in rate and wash-out rate) were determined. The correlation between clinical aggressiveness and ADC value, wash-in rate and wash-out rate were analyzed. In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of the diffusion and semi-quantitative parameters were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: Aggressiveness of bladder cancer is negatively correlated with ADC value (r = −0.705, p < 0.0001) and wash-out rate (r = −0.719, p < 0.0001). The tumor ADC value is positively correlated with wash-out rate (r = 0.555, p < 0.0001). The diagnostic specificity and accuracy using tumor ADC value and wash-out for the tumor with size <24 mm were better than that

Contrast-enhanced dynamic and diffusion-weighted MR imaging at 3.0 T to assess aggressiveness of bladder cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou, Guoxing; Chen, Xiao; Zhang, Jianhua; Zhu, Jingqi; Zong, Genlin; Wang, Zhongqiu

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Wash out rate is associated with the aggressiveness of bladder cancer (BC). • Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value could be used to assess the aggressiveness of BC. • The diagnostic accuracy of aggressiveness of BC using ADC was better than semi-quantitative parameters. • Our data showed a good diagnostic performance of ADC and wash-out together in assessing BC aggressiveness. - Abstract: Background: Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI have been considered useful for pathological staging and histological grading in bladder cancer. To our knowledge, no study has combined the two imaging modalities together to assess aggressiveness of bladder cancer. Objective: To assess the clinical aggressiveness of bladder cancer with DCE MRI and DWI at 3.0 T. Materials and methods: A total of 59 patients with 69 pathologically confirmed tumor lesions were included in this study. All patients underwent MR examination at 3.0 T basing on DWI and DCE imaging. Tumor staging and histological grade were evaluated. The aggressiveness of bladder cancer was classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-aggressiveness according to its pathological phenotype. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and semi-quantitative parameters (wash-in rate and wash-out rate) were determined. The correlation between clinical aggressiveness and ADC value, wash-in rate and wash-out rate were analyzed. In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of the diffusion and semi-quantitative parameters were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: Aggressiveness of bladder cancer is negatively correlated with ADC value (r = −0.705, p < 0.0001) and wash-out rate (r = −0.719, p < 0.0001). The tumor ADC value is positively correlated with wash-out rate (r = 0.555, p < 0.0001). The diagnostic specificity and accuracy using tumor ADC value and wash-out for the tumor with size <24 mm were better than that

Subcutaneous blood flow in psoriasis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klemp, P.

1985-01-01

The simultaneously recorded disappearance rates of 133 xe from subcutaneous adipose tissue in the crus were studied in 10 patients with psoriasis vulgaris using atraumatic labeling of the tissue in lesional skin (LS) areas and symmetrical, nonlesional skin (NLS) areas. Control experiments were performed bilaterally in 10 younger, healthy subjects. The subcutaneous washout rate constant was significantly higher in LS, 0.79 +/- 0.05 min-1 x 10(2) compared to the washout rate constant of NLS, 0.56 +/- 0.07 min-1. 10(2), or the washout rate constant in the normal subjects, 0.46 +/- 0.17 min-1 x 10(2). The mean washout rate constant in NLS was 25% higher than the mean washout rate constant in the normal subjects. The difference was, however, not statistically significant. Differences in the washout rate constants might be due to abnormal subcutaneous tissue-to-blood partition (lambda) in the LS--and therefore not reflecting the real differences in the subcutaneous blood flow (SBF). The lambda for 133 Xe was therefore measured--using a double isotope washout method ( 133 Xe and [ 131 I]antipyrine)--in symmetrical sites of the lateral crus in LS and NLS of 10 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and in 10 legs of normal subjects. In LS the lambda was 4.52 +/- 1.67 ml/g, which was not statistically different from that of NLS, 5.25 +/- 2.19 ml/g, nor from that of normal subcutaneous tissue, 4.98 +/- 1.04 ml/g. Calculations of the SBF using the obtained lambda values gave a significantly higher SBF in LS, 3.57 +/- 0.23 ml/100 g/min, compared to SBF in the NLS, 2.94 +/- 0.37 ml/100 g/min. There was no statistically significant difference between SBF in NLS and SBF in the normal subjects. The increased SBF in LS of psoriatics might be a secondary phenomenon to an increased heat loss in the lesional skin

The respiratory system under weightlessness

Science.gov (United States)

Paiva, M.; Engel, L. A.; Hughes, J. M. B.; Guy, H. J.; Prisk, G. K.; West, J. B.

1987-01-01

Studies of pulmonary functions at rest to be studied on Spacelab mission D-2 are introduced. Gravity dependence of the distribution of ventilation (single breath washout, multibreath washout-washin); chest wall shape and motion; and the vascular compartment (lung blood flow, capillary volume, liquid content, diffusive capacity) are discussed.

Metaiodobenzylguanidine and heart rate variability in heart failure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kurata, Chinori; Shouda, Sakae; Mikami, Tadashi; Uehara, Akihiko; Ishikawa, Keiko; Tawarahara, Kei; Nakano, Tomoyasu; Matoh, Fumitaka; Takeuchi, Kazuhiko

1998-01-01

It is assumed that the low-frequency power (LF) of heart rate variability (HRV) increases with progress of congestive heart failure (CHF), therefore positively correlating with cardiac 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) washout. It is demonstrated here that HRV, including normalized LF, correlated inversely with MIBG washout and positively with the ratio of heart-to-mediastinum MIBG activity in controls and CHF patients, whereas these correlations were not observed within CHF patients. Thus MIBG washout may increase and HRV including normalized LF may decrease with CHF, although the HRV and MIBG measures may not similarly change in proportion to the severity of the cardiac autonomic dysfunction in CHF. (author)

Metaiodobenzylguanidine and heart rate variability in heart failure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kurata, Chinori; Shouda, Sakae; Mikami, Tadashi; Uehara, Akihiko; Ishikawa, Keiko [Hamamatsu Univ., Shizuoka (Japan). School of Medicine; Tawarahara, Kei; Nakano, Tomoyasu; Matoh, Fumitaka; Takeuchi, Kazuhiko

1998-10-01

It is assumed that the low-frequency power (LF) of heart rate variability (HRV) increases with progress of congestive heart failure (CHF), therefore positively correlating with cardiac {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) washout. It is demonstrated here that HRV, including normalized LF, correlated inversely with MIBG washout and positively with the ratio of heart-to-mediastinum MIBG activity in controls and CHF patients, whereas these correlations were not observed within CHF patients. Thus MIBG washout may increase and HRV including normalized LF may decrease with CHF, although the HRV and MIBG measures may not similarly change in proportion to the severity of the cardiac autonomic dysfunction in CHF. (author)

Determination of adipose tissue blood flow with local 133Xe clearance. Evaluation of a new labelling technique

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Simonsen, Lene; Enevoldsen, Lotte Hahn; Bülow, Jens

2003-01-01

Adipose tissue blood flow was measured in six healthy, non-obese subjects with the xenon wash-out technique after labelling of the tissue by either injection of 133Xe dissolved in isotonic sodium chloride (water depot) or injection of 133Xe in gas form (gas depot). The wash-out rates were...

A modified rinsing method for the determination of the S, W-S and D + U fraction of protein and starch in feedstuff within the in situ technique

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Jonge, de L.H.; Laar, van H.; Hendriks, W.H.; Dijkstra, J.

2013-01-01

A modified rinsing method for the in situ technique was developed to separate, isolate and characterise the soluble (S), the insoluble washout (W–S) and the non-washout fractions (D1U) within one procedure. For non-incubated bags ( t50 h), this method was compared with the conventional, Combined

SAFL Baffle retrofit for suspended sediment removal in storm sewer sumps.

Science.gov (United States)

Howard, Adam; Mohseni, Omid; Gulliver, John; Stefan, Heinz

2011-11-15

Standard sumps (manholes) provide a location for pipe junctions and maintenance access in stormwater drainage systems. Standard sumps can also remove sand and silt particles from stormwater, but have a high propensity for washout of the collected sediment. With appropriate maintenance these sumps may qualify as a stormwater best management practice (BMP) device for the removal of suspended sediment from stormwater runoff. To decrease the maintenance frequency and prevent standard sumps from becoming a source of suspended sediment under high flow conditions, a porous baffle, named the SAFL Baffle, has been designed and tested as a retrofit to the sump. Multiple configurations with varying percent open area and different angles of attack were evaluated in scale models. An optimum configuration was then constructed at the prototype scale and evaluated for both removal efficiency and washout. Results obtained with the retrofit indicate that with the right baffle dimensions and porosity, sediment washout from the sump at high flow rates can be almost eliminated, and removal efficiency can be significantly increased at low flow rates. Removal efficiency and washout functions have been developed for standard sumps retrofitted with the SAFL Baffle. The results of this research provide a new, versatile stormwater treatment device and implemented new washout and removal efficiency testing procedures that will improve research and development of stormwater treatment devices. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development and Application of Optical Coherence Elastography for Detection of Mechanical Property Changes Occurring in Early Osteoarthritis

Science.gov (United States)

Hirota, Koji

We demonstrate a computationally-efficient method for optical coherence elastography (OCE) based on fringe washout method for a spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) system. By sending short pulses of mechanical perturbation with ultrasound or shock wave during the image acquisition of alternating depth profiles, we can extract cross-sectional mechanical assessment of tissue in real-time. This was achieved through a simple comparison of the intensity in adjacent depth profiles acquired during the states of perturbation and non-perturbation in order to quantify the degree of induced fringe washout. Although the results indicate that our OCE technique based on the fringe washout effect is sensitive enough to detect mechanical property changes in biological samples, there is some loss of sensitivity in comparison to previous techniques in order to achieve computationally efficiency and minimum modification in both hardware and software in the OCT system. The tissue phantom study was carried with various agar density samples to characterize our OCE technique. Young's modulus measurements were achieved with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) to correlate to our OCE assessment. Knee cartilage samples of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) rat models were utilized to replicate cartilage damage of a human model. Our proposed OCE technique along with intensity and AFM measurements were applied to the MIA models to assess the damage. The results from both the phantom study and MIA model study demonstrated the strong capability to assess the changes in mechanical properties of the OCE technique. The correlation between the OCE measurements and the Young's modulus values demonstrated in the OCE data that the stiffer material had less magnitude of fringe washout effect. This result is attributed to the fringe washout effect caused by axial motion that the displacement of the scatterers in the stiffer samples in response to the external perturbation induces less fringe washout effect.

Peritoneal clearances in hypertensive CAPD patients after oral administration of clonidine, enalapril, and nifedipine.

Science.gov (United States)

Favazza, A; Motanaro, D; Messa, P; Antonucci, F; Gropuzzo, M; Mioni, G

1992-01-01

The authors investigated whether the reduction of arterial pressure, induced by the oral administration of clonidine (CLO), enalapril (EN), and nifedipine (NIF), has any effect on peritoneal transport rates. The study was performed in nine hypertensive patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The patients were submitted to administration of CLO, EN, and NIF, each in randomized succession for two weeks, after withdrawal of any hypotensive therapy for eight days (washout period). The nine patients underwent a four-hour dwell exchange using a 2.27 g/dL glucose two-liter bag after washout and after each hypotensive period. The following parameters were analyzed: mean arterial pressure (MAP), performed in the sitting position; net ultrafiltration; effluent/initial dialysate glucose ratio (GL D/Do); peritoneal clearance of K, BUN, creatinine (Cr), phosphate, beta-2 microglobulin (beta 2), total proteins, and the ratio between beta 2 and Cr clearance. Moreover, residual renal Cr and beta 2 clearances were analyzed. The three drugs significantly reduced MAP at a similar rate. The peritoneal transport parameters after CLO were similar to the results in the washout period. On the contrary, after EN and NIF therapy, Cr and beta 2 clearances were significantly increased, and GL D/Do decreased in comparison to the washout period. The other peritoneal transport parameters after EN and NIF were similar to the washout period. Residual renal Cr and beta 2 clearances after the three drugs were similar to those in the washout. these data suggest that after two weeks of therapy with EN and NIF, glucose, Cr, and beta 2 peritoneal transports are influenced by these hypotensive drugs irrespective of the effect on the arterial pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Is the rate of whole-body nitrogen elimination influenced by exercise?

Science.gov (United States)

Pendergast, D R; Senf, C; Lundgren, C E G

2012-01-01

Because it has earlier been shown that exercise 24 or two hours pre-dive may suppress the appearance of venous gas bubbles (VGB) in connection with the dive, we studied whether exercise before or during N2 elimination would influence the rate of the latter. Nitrogen elimination was recorded in eight volunteers breathing a normoxic O2+argon mixture for two hours. The N2 washout was preceded two (Condition A) or 24 hours (Condition B) earlier, by one hour of exercise at 85% VO2max (two hours of exercise interspersed with two hours of rest). In separate experiments, exercise at -40% of VO2max was performed throughout the two-hour washout (Condition C), and control experiments (Condition D) with denitrogenation without exercise were also performed. There were no significant differences among conditions for the total N2 eliminated (904 +/- 196 mL). The half-times of N2 washout for A (35.2 +/- 10.8 minutes) and B (31.9 +/- 8.6 minutes) did not differ from control washouts. The rate of washout in C increased 14% compared to D (half-time: 30.4 +/- 7.6 vs. 34.5 +/- 7.8 minutes, p = 0.002), and correlated with cardiac output. Exercise 24 or two hours pre-N2 washout did not affect it, suggesting that the decreased VGB scores noted by others in dives preceded by conditions similar to A and B are not due to changes in nitrogen exchange but rather to factors related to bubble formation and/or appearance. That N2 elimination is enhanced by concomitant exercise makes physiological sense but does not necessarily explain the observation by others of a reduced risk of decompression sickness with exercise before diving.

Geometric Optimization for Non-Thrombogenicity of a Centrifugal Blood Pump through Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Nishida, Masahiro; Yamane, Takashi

A monopivot magnetic suspension blood pump has been developed in our laboratory. The flow patterns within the pump should be carefully examined in order to prevent thrombogenesis, especially around the pivot bearing. Therefore, the effects of the pump geometry on the local flow were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics together with the experimental flow visualization. The engineering goal was to reduce the area of stagnation around the pivot in order to prevent thrombus formation. As a result, the stagnation area and the flow rate through the washout holes were found to be highly affected by the size and geometry of the washout holes. Secondary flow was revealed to form a jet-like wash against the pivot, thus preventing thrombus formation. The flow rate through the washout holes was estimated to be up to one fifth of the pump flow rate, depending on the cross-sectional areas of the washout holes. Furthermore, an anti-thrombogenic effect was attained by removing a small gap between the male and female pivots.

Quantitative thallium-201 scintigraphy after dipyridamole infusion combined with low level exercise in healthy volunteers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laarman, G.J.; Niemeyer, M.G.; Ascoop, C.A.P.L.; Bruschke, A.V.G.; Wall, E.E. van der; Verzijlbergen, F.J.; Liam Go, T.

1989-01-01

To establish test specific normal limits for quantitative analysis of uptake and washout of 201 Tl after dipyridamole infusion combined with low level exercise, 20 healthy volunteers were studied with low likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed by a stepwise probability analysis based on age, sex, symptoms, resting electrocardiogram, and exercise electrocardiography. Likelihood of CAD in these volunteers was calculated as ≤ 1%. After dipyridamole infusion combined with low level exercise, one volunteer complained of headache; no other side effects were observed. There were no chest pain complaints. Maximal hemodynamic changes were achieved during the 6th and 7th min of the test. No ST segment depression was recorded. Visual analysis of the 201 Tl scintigrams was normal in all volunteers. Mean regional washout at 4 h was 44.37%±2.11%. The regional washout in the 70 0 LAO view (46.65%±1.10%) was significantly higher than in the anterior and 30 0 LAO views (43.44%±1.50% and 43.02%±1.45%, respectively). Profiles of uptake and washout of 201 Tl were different after dipyridamole infusion combined with low level exercise as compared to maximal exercise. Thus, in quantitative analysis of 201 Tl scintigraphy after dipyridamole infusion in conjunction with low level exercise as applied in the present study, it is mandatory to use normal limits of uptake and washout of 201 Tl derived from healthy volunteers who underwent the same combined protocol. (orig.)

Relationship between cardiac 123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging and the transcardiac gradient of neurohumoral factors in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsui, Toshiki; Tsutamoto, Takayoshi; Kinoshita, Masahiko

2001-01-01

Cardiac sympathetic nervous function is altered in congestive heart failure (CHF) and the uptake and washout rate of cardiac 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) are useful markers for evaluating the severity of it. To assess what parameters predict decreased uptake or increased washout rate of MIBG, the concentrations of neurohumoral factor in both the aorta (Ao) and coronary sinus (CS) were measured, as well as hemodynamic parameters by catheterization, in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). MIBG imaging was performed within 1 week of cardiac catheterization. Regarding MIBG parameters, the correlation with the transcardiac gradient of norepinephrine (NE), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and hemodynamics was investigated. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was used to determine which variables closely correlated with cardiac MIBG parameters. There was a significant increase in the NE level between the Ao (446 pg/ml) and the CS (727 pg/ml). According to stepwise multivariate regression analysis, the heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio independently correlated with the transcardiac gradient of BNP (r=-0.480, p<0.01), and the washout rate independently correlated with the transcardiac gradient of NE (r=0.481, p<0.01). These findings indicate that the H/M ratio may reflect the transcardiac gradient of BNP, which implies the degree of left ventricular dysfunction and/or damage and the washout rate may reflect altered cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal in DCM patients with CHF, suggesting that both the H/M ratio and washout rate provide important information about the failing ventricle. (author)

Prediction of Chemoresistance in Women Undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Volumetric Analysis of First-Order Textural Features Extracted from Multiparametric MRI.

Science.gov (United States)

Panzeri, M M; Losio, C; Della Corte, A; Venturini, E; Ambrosi, A; Panizza, P; De Cobelli, F

2018-01-01

To assess correlations between volumetric first-order texture parameters on baseline MRI and pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for locally advanced breast cancer (BC). 69 patients with locally advanced BC candidate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy underwent MRI within 4 weeks from the start of therapeutic regimen. T2, DWI, and DCE sequences were analyzed and maps were generated for Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), T2 signal intensity, and the following dynamic parameters: k -trans, peak enhancement, area under curve (AUC), time to maximal enhancement (TME), wash-in rate, and washout rate. Volumetric analysis of these parameters was performed, yielding a histogram analysis including first-order texture kinetics (percentiles, maximum value, minimum value, range, standard deviation, mean, median, mode, skewness, and kurtosis). Finally, correlations between these values and response to NAC (evaluated on the surgical specimen according to RECIST 1.1 criteria) were assessed. Out of 69 tumors, 33 (47.8%) achieved complete pathological response, 26 (37.7%) partial response, and 10 (14.5%) no response. Higher levels of AUCmax ( p value = 0.0338), AUCrange ( p value = 0.0311), and TME 75 ( p value = 0.0452) and lower levels of washout 10 ( p value = 0.0417), washout 20 ( p value = 0.0138), washout 25 ( p value = 0.0114), and washout 30 ( p value = 0.05) were predictive of noncomplete response. Histogram-derived texture analysis of MRI images allows finding quantitative parameters predictive of nonresponse to NAC in women affected by locally advanced BC.

Effectiveness of low-dose doxycycline (LDD on clinical symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vuotila Tuija

2007-12-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs are proteolytic enzymes that may contribute to tissue destruction in Sjögren's syndrome (SS. Low-dose doxycycline (LDD inhibits MMPs. We evaluated the efficacy of LDD for the subjective symptoms in primary SS patients. This was a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled cross-over study. 22 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 20 mg LDD or matching placebo twice a day for 10 weeks. The first medication period was followed by 10-week washout period, after which the patient received either LDD or placebo, depending on the first drug received, followed by the second washout period. Stimulated saliva flow rates and pH were measured before and after one and ten weeks of each medication and after washout periods. VAS scale was used to assess the effect of LDD and placebo on following six subjective symptoms: xerostomia; xerophtalmia; difficulty of swallowing; myalgia; arthralgia; and fatigue. The effect was evaluated for each medication and washout period separately. Results Overall, the effects of medications on subjective symptoms were minor. Wilcoxon test demonstrated increased fatigue with LDD during medication (p Conclusion LDD may not be useful in reducing the primary SS symptoms.

Cardiac iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake in animals with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dubois, E.A.; Kam, K.L.; Somsen, G.A.; Boer, G.J.; Bruin, K. de; Batink, H.D.; Pfaffendorf, M.; Royen, E.A. van; Zwieten, P.A. van

1996-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of the noradrenaline analogue iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine ([ 123 I]MIBG) for the assessment of cardiac sympathetic activity in the presence of diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension in animal models. One model used Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) rendered diabetic at 12 weeks of age by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The other model used lean and obese Zucker rats. In all groups basic haemodynamic values were established and animals received an intravenous injection of 50 μCi [ 123 I]MIBG. Initial myocardial uptake and washout rates of [ 123 I]MIBG were measured scintigraphically during 4 h. After sacrifice, plasma noradrenaline and left cardiac ventricular β-adrenoceptor density was determined. The diabetic state, both in STZ-treated rats (direct induction) and in obese Zucker rats (genetic induction), appeared to induce a lower cardiac density of β-adrenoceptors, indicative of increased sympathetic activity. Cardiac [ 123 I]MIBG then showed increased washouts, thereby confirming enhanced noradrenergic activity. This parallism of results led to the conclusion that [ 123 I]MIBG wash-out measurements could provide an excellent tool to assess cardiac sympathetic activity noninvasively. However, in hypertension (WKY vs SHR), both parameters failed to show parallelism: no changes in β-adrenoceptor density were found, whereas [ 123 I]MIBG wash-out rate was increased. Thus, either [ 123 I]MIBG washout or β-adrenoceptor density may not be a reliable parameter under all circumstances to detect changes in the release of noradrenaline. (orig./MG)

Adrenal neoplasms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Low, G.; Dhliwayo, H.; Lomas, D.J.

2012-01-01

Adenoma, myelolipoma, phaeochromocytoma, metastases, adrenocortical carcinoma, neuroblastoma, and lymphoma account for the majority of adrenal neoplasms that are encountered in clinical practice. A variety of imaging methods are available for evaluating adrenal lesions including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine techniques such as meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy and positron-emission tomography (PET). Lipid-sensitive imaging techniques such as unenhanced CT and chemical shift MRI enable detection and characterization of lipid-rich adenomas based on an unenhanced CT attenuation of ≤10 HU and signal loss on opposed-phase compared to in-phase T1-weighted images, respectively. In indeterminate cases, an adrenal CT washout study may differentiate adenomas (both lipid-rich and lipid-poor) from other adrenal neoplasms based on an absolute percentage washout of >60% and/or a relative percentage washout of >40%. This is based on the principle that adenomas show rapid contrast washout while most other adrenal neoplasms including malignant tumours show slow contrast washout instead. 18 F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose–PET ( 18 FDG-PET) imaging may differentiate benign from malignant adrenal neoplasms by demonstrating high tracer uptake in malignant neoplasms based on the increased glucose utilization and metabolic activity found in most of these malignancies. In this review, the multi-modality imaging appearances of adrenal neoplasms are discussed and illustrated. Key imaging findings that facilitate lesion characterization and differentiation are emphasized. Awareness of these imaging findings is essential for improving diagnostic confidence and for reducing misinterpretation errors.

Prediction of Chemoresistance in Women Undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Volumetric Analysis of First-Order Textural Features Extracted from Multiparametric MRI

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. M. Panzeri

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose. To assess correlations between volumetric first-order texture parameters on baseline MRI and pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC for locally advanced breast cancer (BC. Materials and Methods. 69 patients with locally advanced BC candidate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy underwent MRI within 4 weeks from the start of therapeutic regimen. T2, DWI, and DCE sequences were analyzed and maps were generated for Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC, T2 signal intensity, and the following dynamic parameters: k-trans, peak enhancement, area under curve (AUC, time to maximal enhancement (TME, wash-in rate, and washout rate. Volumetric analysis of these parameters was performed, yielding a histogram analysis including first-order texture kinetics (percentiles, maximum value, minimum value, range, standard deviation, mean, median, mode, skewness, and kurtosis. Finally, correlations between these values and response to NAC (evaluated on the surgical specimen according to RECIST 1.1 criteria were assessed. Results. Out of 69 tumors, 33 (47.8% achieved complete pathological response, 26 (37.7% partial response, and 10 (14.5% no response. Higher levels of AUCmax (p value = 0.0338, AUCrange (p value = 0.0311, and TME75 (p value = 0.0452 and lower levels of washout10 (p value = 0.0417, washout20 (p value = 0.0138, washout25 (p value = 0.0114, and washout30 (p value = 0.05 were predictive of noncomplete response. Conclusion. Histogram-derived texture analysis of MRI images allows finding quantitative parameters predictive of nonresponse to NAC in women affected by locally advanced BC.

Determination of the survival rate in patients with congestive heart failure stratified by 123I-MIBG imaging. A meta-analysis from the studies performed in Japan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuwabara, Yoichi; Tamaki, Nagara; Nakata, Tomoaki; Yamashina, Shohei; Yamazaki, Junichi

2011-01-01

The goals of this meta-analysis were to determine survival rates in patients with heart failure (HF) assessed by 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging results using recently published studies and to determine the prognostic value of 123 I-MIBG imaging. We reviewed published cohort studies carried out in Japan that compared the prognosis of patients with their 123 I-MIBG activity quantified as late heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M) or washout rate by performing a PubMed search for articles in English up to December 2006. Studies were selected if they analyzed a clearly defined lethal outcome (cardiovascular death) using life tables to estimate the odds ratio at 24 months after enrollment. Of 158 articles related to cardiac 123 I-MIBG, seven referred to studies that met the inclusion criteria: 5 evaluated H/M via 123 I-MIBG in a total of 866 patients and 4 calculated washout rate in a total of 491 patients. A low H/M indicated a high risk of cardiac death: pooled odds ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) of 3.1-5.7. A high washout was also associated with lethal events with a pooled odds ratio of 2.8 (CI: 1.6-5.0). The association between washout and cardiac death was heterogeneous (Chi-square=11.0, P 123 I-MIBG studies conducted in Japan indicated that both a decreased cardiac 123 I-MIBG activity (H/M) and an increased washout rate are indicative of a poor prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure. (author)

Chemical colostomy irrigation with glyceryl trinitrate solution.

Science.gov (United States)

O'Bichere, A; Bossom, C; Gangoli, S; Green, C; Phillips, R K

2001-09-01

Colostomy irrigation may improve patient quality of life, but is time consuming. This study tests the hypothesis that irrigation with glyceryl trinitrate solution, by inducing gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation, may accelerate expulsion of stool by passive emptying, thereby reducing irrigation time. Fifteen colostomy irrigators(with more than 3 years' experience) performed washout with tap water compared with water containing 0.025 mg/kg glyceryl trinitrate. Fluid inflow time, total washout time, and hemodynamic changes occurring during glyceryl trinitrate irrigation were documented by an independent observer. Subjects recorded episodes of fecal leakage and overall satisfaction on a visual analog scale. Cramps, headaches, and whether or not a stoma bag was used were expressed as a percentage of number of irrigations. Comparison of fluid inflow time, total washout time, leakage, and satisfaction was by Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and headaches, cramps, and stoma bag use was by McNemar's test. Pulse rate (paired t-test), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (Wilcoxon's test) at 20 and 240 minutes after washout with glyceryl trinitrate solution were compared with baseline. Fifteen patients (9 female), with a mean age of 53 (31-73) years, provided 30 sessions (15 with water and 15 with glyceryl trinitrate). Medians (interquartile ranges) for water vs. glyceryl trinitrate were fluid inflow time 7 (4-10) vs. 4, (3-5; P = 0.001); total washout time 40 (30-55) vs. 21, (15-24; P colostomy irrigation time compared with the generally recommended tap water. Patients suffer fewer leakages and are highly satisfied, but side effects are potential drawbacks. Other colonoplegic agent solutions should now be evaluated.

Effect of silver-loaded PMMA on Streptococcus mutans in a drip flow reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, Dustin L; Epperson, Richard Tyler; DeGrauw, Jeffery P; Nielsen, Mattias B; Taylor, Nicholas B; Jolley, Ryan D

2017-09-01

Orthodontic retention has been proposed as a life-long commitment for patients who desire to maintain straight teeth. However, the presence of foreign material increases risk of bacterial colonization and caries formation, of which Streptococcus mutans is a key contributor. Multiple studies have assessed the ability of silver to be added to base plate material and resist attachment of S. mutans. However, it does not appear that long-term washout in connection with biofilm growth under physiologically relevant conditions has been taken into consideration. In this study, silver was added to base plate material and exposed to short- or long-term washout periods. Materials were then assessed for their ability to resist biofilm formation of S. mutans using a drip flow reactor that modeled the human oral environment. Data indicated that silver was able to resist biofilm formation following short-term washout, but long-term washout periods resulted in a lack of ability to resist biofilm formation. These data will be important for future development of base plate materials to achieve long-term antimicrobial efficacy to reduce risk of caries formation and benefit patients in the long term. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2632-2639, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Simulation of the behavior of pressurized underwater concrete

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ashraf Mohamed Heniegal

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Under-Water Concrete (UWC contains Anti-Washout Admixtures (AWA (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% by weight of cement with cement contents (400, 450, 500 and 550 kg/m3. All concrete mix contains silica fume and high-range water reducing (15% and 4% respectively by weight of cement. The fine to steel slag coarse aggregate was 1:1. The concrete mix was tested for slump, slump flow, compressive strength and washout resistance using two test methods based on different principles. The first method is the plunge test CRDC61 which is widely used in North America, and the second method is the pressurized air tube which has been manufactured for this research and developed to simulate the effect of water pressure on washout resistance of underwater mix. The results of compressive strength test were compared to concrete cast underwater with that cast in air. Test results indicated that the use of an AWA facilitates the production of UWC mix with the added benefit of lower washout resistance. New technique of simulating pressurized UWC is reliable for detecting UWC properties. Adding AWA (0.3–0.5% by weight of cement makes all mix acceptable according to Japanese Society of Civil Engineers.

Asymptotic Behavior of a Chemostat Model with Stochastic Perturbation on the Dilution Rate

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chaoqun Xu

2013-01-01

Full Text Available We present a stochastic simple chemostat model in which the dilution rate was influenced by white noise. The long time behavior of the system is studied. Mainly, we show how the solution spirals around the washout equilibrium and the positive equilibrium of deterministic system under different conditions. Furthermore, the sufficient conditions for persistence in the mean of the stochastic system and washout of the microorganism are obtained. Numerical simulations are carried out to support our results.

Study of 123I-IMP SPECT on diabetic patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kinoshita, Ikuo; Takeo, Goh; Iwanaga, Keisuke; Uotani, Shigeo; Nakamura, Minoru; Sohda, Masanori; Ohe, Haruto; Toshimitsu, Takashi; Ohe, Nobuharu

1991-01-01

The involvement of peripheral nerves and nerve roots often leads to neurological manifestations which have frequently been described in association with diabetes mellitus. Whether there is any specific involvement of the central nervous system in this process has yet to be determined. Recently, many reports have suggested that significant neurophysiologic abnormalities in the central nervous system can sometimes be found in diabetic patients. In order to accurately examine the existence of central nervous system involvement in patients with diabetes mellitus, comparisons of 123 I-IMP (IMP) washout rates were made between normal adults (n=19, average age 43.3 years) and diabetic patients (n=23, average age 43.3 years), and these results were graphically demonstrated by color images. Early images were obtained 30 minutes after intravenous injection, while delayed images were made 4 hours after injection. The IMP washout rate was obtained by subtracting the values of the delayed image with the early image. The standard deviation (SD) of the IMP washout rate for each patient was compared to the averaged SD obtained from healthy adults. After calculating the deviation from SD levels of healthy adults, we made an image of the patient's IMP washout rates. These images were divided into seven degrees (I, II: normal, III, IV: borderline, V∼VII: abnormal) and the ratio of each degree was expressed by a histogram in each cerebral hemisphere as the washout rate index. In 23 diabetic subjects, seven patients were found to be borderline while sixteen patients were abnormal. These impairments were not related either to the presence of diabetic triopathy or the duration of disease. By utilising such a noninvasive method, we were able to accurately evaluate the extent of diabetic central neuropathy. Therefore this subtraction method, which uses the specificity of IMP SPECT, is thus considered to be highly useful for broad clinical application. (author)

Study of sup 123 I-IMP SPECT on diabetic patients

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kinoshita, Ikuo; Takeo, Goh; Iwanaga, Keisuke; Uotani, Shigeo; Nakamura, Minoru; Sohda, Masanori; Ohe, Haruto; Toshimitsu, Takashi; Ohe, Nobuharu (Yahata City Hospital, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka (Japan))

1991-07-01

The involvement of peripheral nerves and nerve roots often leads to neurological manifestations which have frequently been described in association with diabetes mellitus. Whether there is any specific involvement of the central nervous system in this process has yet to be determined. Recently, many reports have suggested that significant neurophysiologic abnormalities in the central nervous system can sometimes be found in diabetic patients. In order to accurately examine the existence of central nervous system involvement in patients with diabetes mellitus, comparisons of {sup 123}I-IMP (IMP) washout rates were made between normal adults (n=19, average age 43.3 years) and diabetic patients (n=23, average age 43.3 years), and these results were graphically demonstrated by color images. Early images were obtained 30 minutes after intravenous injection, while delayed images were made 4 hours after injection. The IMP washout rate was obtained by subtracting the values of the delayed image with the early image. The standard deviation (SD) of the IMP washout rate for each patient was compared to the averaged SD obtained from healthy adults. After calculating the deviation from SD levels of healthy adults, we made an image of the patient's IMP washout rates. These images were divided into seven degrees (I, II: normal, III, IV: borderline, V{approx}VII: abnormal) and the ratio of each degree was expressed by a histogram in each cerebral hemisphere as the washout rate index. In 23 diabetic subjects, seven patients were found to be borderline while sixteen patients were abnormal. These impairments were not related either to the presence of diabetic triopathy or the duration of disease. By utilising such a noninvasive method, we were able to accurately evaluate the extent of diabetic central neuropathy. Therefore this subtraction method, which uses the specificity of IMP SPECT, is thus considered to be highly useful for broad clinical application. (author).

Clinical significance of ventilation/perfusion scans in collagen disease patients

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suzuki, Kenzo; Kobayashi, Takeshi [Tokyo Metropolitan Hiro-o Hospital (Japan); Kamata, Noriko; Inokuma, Shigeko; Terada, Hitoshi; Yokoyama, Yoshiaki; Abe, Katsumi; Mochizuki, Takao

2000-12-01

The purpose of this study was to detect disturbances in pulmonary circulation in collagen disease patients by means of a non-invasive technique. Ventilation/perfusion scans with {sup 133}Xe gas and {sup 99m}Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) were performed in 109 patients with various collagen diseases. Functional images of V, Vol, Q and V/Q ratio were obtained at total lung capacity. Wash-out time was calculated from the wash-out curve. Whole body scans were performed in 65 patients to evaluate intra-pulmonary shunts. Increased V/Q areas were observed in 74 patients (67.9%), suggesting some impairment of pulmonary perfusion. Decreased perfusion, probably due to vasculitis or intravascular microcoagulation, was observed often, even in patients without pulmonary fibrosis. Shunt ratios over 10% were observed in 8 of the 65 patients (12.3%), indicating formation of PA-PV shunts secondary to peripheral vascular impairment. Wash-out time was prolonged in 37 patients (33.9%), shortened in 18 (16.5%), and within the normal range in 54 (49.6%). The prolonged and normal wash-out times in the patients with pulmonary fibrosis may represent obstructive changes in the small airways superimposed on the fibrosis. Ventilation/perfusion scans are a very useful tool for evaluating collagen lung diseases, and they might contribute to treatment decisions for the patients. (author)

Radiopharmacology of inhaled 133Xe in skeletal sites containing deposits of Gaucher cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Castronovo, F.P. Jr.; McKusick, K.A.; Doppelt, S.H.; Barton, N.W.

1993-01-01

Gaucher's disease is a lysomal storage disease in which cells of the reticuloendothelial system accumulate the lipid glucocerebroside. It is characterized by slowly progressive visceral and osseous involvement. One of the latter manifestations includes lipid infiltration of bone marrow. We monitored the rate of the inhaled 133 Xe uptake and wash-out over diseased and normal metaphyseal and epiphyseal areas of the knee. Twenty-two patients (15 adults, 7 children) with various degrees of previously diagnosed Gaucher's disease were positioned supine under a γ-camera interfaced to a computer system. All patients rebreathed 133 Xe gas from a closed system for 10 min followed by 14 min of wash-out. Digitized images of the lung, liver, spleen, bony sites and soft tissue were obtained at 1 min intervals during the wash-in and wash-out phases. Counts for each ROI were normalized per 100 pixels and plotted as a function (time). Maximum uptake was also calculated by relating the counts/ROI/100 pixels to the 10 min integrated lung count during equilibrium (the administered ''dose''). There was essentially no 133 Xe uptake in liver and spleen involved with Gaucher's disease. Monophasic uptake and biphasic wash-out curves were observed in the limited investigative population. Gaucher deposits released the 133 Xe at a greater rate relative to soft tissue. (Author)

Enhancement pattern analysis of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma on dynamic MR imaging with histopathological correlation: Validity of portal phase imaging for predicting tumor grade

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okamoto, Daisuke; Yoshimitsu, Kengo; Nishie, Akihiro; Tajima, Tsuyoshi; Asayama, Yoshiki; Ishigami, Kousei; Hirakawa, Masakazu; Ushijima, Yasuhiro; Kakihara, Daisuke; Nakayama, Tomohiro; Nishihara, Yunosuke; Aishima, Shinichi; Taketomi, Akinobu; Kishimoto, Junji; Honda, Hiroshi

2012-01-01

Purpose: To elucidate the correlation between hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) enhancement patterns on dynamic MR imaging and histological findings. Materials and methods: Surgically proven 46 hypervascular HCCs of forty-one patients were enrolled. For each HCC, the signal intensity in the portal phase (SIPP) was evaluated. In this study, high, iso-, or low intensity in the portal phase was hypothesized as late, moderate, or early washout pattern, respectively. The SIPP of each HCC was correlated to histological grade and architectural subtypes that represent degrees of trabecular structure. For the trabecular HCCs, the thickness of tumor plate was also correlated for indirect estimation of tumor sinusoid. Results: There was a significant correlation between the SIPP vs. histological grade and also vs. architectural subtypes, namely the degree of trabecular structure. Washout of hypervascular HCC occurred earlier as the histological grade advanced and the histological architecture got closer to pure trabecular HCC. For the trabecular HCCs, the thickness of tumor plate correlated significantly with SIPP or histological grade. Hypervascular HCCs with thicker tumor plates showed worse histological grade and earlier washout pattern. Conclusions: Histological grade of hypervascular HCC may be predicted using SIPP. The thickness of tumor plate, resultantly the size of sinusoid between tumor plates, can account for the relationship between washout pattern and histological grade in the trabecular HCCs.

[Photometric determination of butyl "aeroflot" flotation agent (sodium dibutyl dithiophosphate) in the air of work zone and skin washings].

Science.gov (United States)

Dorogova, V B; Kucheriavykh, E I; Sokolova, T V

1989-01-01

Photometric procedure of butyl "aeroflot" identification in the work zone air and in wash-out from workers' integument was developed, The procedure was based on the formation of yellow- and orange-dyed copper dibutyl dithiophosphate under butyl "aeroflot" interaction with copper sulphate with the subsequent photometry of dyed solutions for the wavelength of 420 nm in the 10-mm cell. Buffer solution with pH-9.2 was used as an absorbing solution for the workplace air sampling and integument wash-out.

Factors influencing the cardiac MIBG accumulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takatsu, Hisato; Fujiwara, Hisayoshi

1997-01-01

Following factors possibly influencing the cardiac MIBG accumulation were examined mainly in mice. 1. The specific activity of the MIBG (meta-iodo-benzyl guanidine) on the neuronal and non-neuronal fractions. 2. Motor restriction stress on MIBG accumulation and washout. 3. Loading and restriction of sodium chloride on the accumulation and effect of suppression of renin-angiotensin system. 4. Examinations in Dahl rats. 125I- or 131I-MIBG was intravenously administered to mice at 74 kBq. At 30 min or 4 hr after administration, mice were sacrificed and their left ventricles were dissected out for measurement of radioactivity in a liquid scintillation counter. Salt-sensitive and -resistant Dahl rats were given with 37 MBq of 123I-MIBG and cardiac radioactivity was measured externally for calculation of washout. Factors examined were found highly correlated with the accumulation of MIBG and measurement of its washout was considered useful for evaluating sympathetic activity. (K.H.)

Dynamic biliary cholecystography with mebrofenin-Tc-99m in a patient with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tadzher, I.S.; Grujovska, S.; Todorovski, G.; Arsova, S.

1996-01-01

A Caucasian boy with a 16-year history of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) presented dissociation between normal hepatic extraction fraction of mebrofenin-Tc-99m (HEF over 90%) and that of intensive delayed liver 'washout' T 1/2 210 m (normal 20-25 m). This is the second case in Macedonia (population 2.3 million) showing the same pattern of bile dynamic with mebrofenin-Tc-99m: normal HEF, prolonged 'washout'. In Rotor's disease and Dubin-Johnson's syndrome HEF is depressed and 'washout' delayed, whereas in Gilbert's syndrome we found both parameters normal. In our patient the episodes of pruritus were intensive and prolonged, hyperbilirubinaemia 50-100 micromol/L. Gallbladder was hypovolemic, ejection fraction reduced (59%, normal with the employed method over 70%). Growth, body weight and bone age were subnormal. Technetium-sulfur-colloid scans showed enlarged liver, splenomegaly and reduced portal contribution to hepatic blood flow (65%, normal over 70%). (Author)

Comparative binding characteristics of Tc-CPI, Tc-TBI, and Tc-MIBI in cultured heart cells: Correlation with biochemical analysis and animal images

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Piwnica-Worms, D.; Kronauge, J.F.; Holman, B.L.; Davison, A.; Jones, A.G.

1987-01-01

Hexakis (isonitrile)technetium (I) complexes are a new class of cationic, lipophilic myocaridal perfusion imaging agents. To better understand their cellular mechanisms of uptake and washout, chick heart cells grown in culture were used as a model myocardial system. Tc-MIBI showed uptake to a plateau at a rate similar to Tc-CPI (t1/2 = 4.1 +- 0.7 minutes); however, the plateau was 63% greater. Tc-TBI uptake approached a plateau 900% greater than Tc-CPI binding. Heart cell studies showed washout of Tc-CPI>Tc-TBI>Tc-MIBI, which correlated with kinetic analysis of rabbit myocardial images. Biochemical in vitro analysis in human plasma demonstrated 75% enzymatic ester hydrolysis of Tc-CPI by 3 minutes, but no hydrolysis of Tc-TBI and Tc-MIBI. The results suggest that metabolism of the ester function of Tc-CPI following myocardial uptake may in part account for the more rapid cellular washout rates of Tc-CPI compared with Tc-TBI and Tc-MIBI

Desipramine restricts estral cycle oscillations in swimming.

Science.gov (United States)

Contreras, C M; Martínez-Mota, L; Saavedra, M

1998-10-01

1. Desipramine (DMI) is a tricyclic antidepressant which reduces the immobility in rats forced to swim; however, it is unknown whether estral cycle phases impinge on DMI actions on immobility in daily swimming tests during several weeks. 2. In female wistar rats, vaginal smears taken before testing defined four estral phases. Afterwards, the authors assessed the latency for the first period of immobility in five-min forced swim tests practiced on 21-day DMI (DMI group), 21-day washout saline given after a 21-day DMI treatment (washout-saline group), or non-treated rats (control group). 3. We observed a longer latency for the first period of immobility in proestrus-estrus from the control and washout-saline groups. The 21-day treatment with DMI (2.1 mg/kg i.p., once a day) significantly (p estral cycle phase. 4. It is concluded that proestrus-estrus relates to increased struggling behavior. DMI enhances struggling behavior independently of hormonal state.

Radiopharmacology of inhaled [sup 133]Xe in skeletal sites containing deposits of Gaucher cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Castronovo, F.P. Jr. (Brigham and Women' s Hospital, Boston, MA (United States) Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)); McKusick, K.A.; Doppelt, S.H. (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (United States) Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (United States)); Barton, N.W. (National Insts. of Health, Bethesda, MD (United States))

1993-07-01

Gaucher's disease is a lysomal storage disease in which cells of the reticuloendothelial system accumulate the lipid glucocerebroside. It is characterized by slowly progressive visceral and osseous involvement. One of the latter manifestations includes lipid infiltration of bone marrow. We monitored the rate of the inhaled [sup 133]Xe uptake and wash-out over diseased and normal metaphyseal and epiphyseal areas of the knee. Twenty-two patients (15 adults, 7 children) with various degrees of previously diagnosed Gaucher's disease were positioned supine under a [gamma]-camera interfaced to a computer system. All patients rebreathed [sup 133]Xe gas from a closed system for 10 min followed by 14 min of wash-out. Digitized images of the lung, liver, spleen, bony sites and soft tissue were obtained at 1 min intervals during the wash-in and wash-out phases. Counts for each ROI were normalized per 100 pixels and plotted as a function (time). Maximum uptake was also calculated by relating the counts/ROI/100 pixels to the 10 min integrated lung count during equilibrium (the administered ''dose''). There was essentially no [sup 133]Xe uptake in liver and spleen involved with Gaucher's disease. Monophasic uptake and biphasic wash-out curves were observed in the limited investigative population. Gaucher deposits released the [sup 133]Xe at a greater rate relative to soft tissue. (Author).

123I-MIBG imaging detects cardiac involvement and predicts cardiac events in Churg-Strauss syndrome

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horiguchi, Yoriko; Morita, Yukiko; Tsurikisawa, Naomi; Akiyama, Kazuo

2011-01-01

In Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) it is important to detect cardiac involvement, which predicts poor prognosis. This study evaluated whether 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy could detect cardiac damage and predict cardiac events in CSS. 123 I-MIBG scintigraphy was performed in 28 patients with CSS, 12 of whom had cardiac involvement. The early and delayed heart to mediastinum ratio (early H/M and delayed H/M) and washout rate were calculated by using 123 I-MIBG scintigraphy and compared with those in control subjects. Early H/M and delayed H/M were significantly lower and the washout rate was significantly higher in patients with cardiac involvement than in those without and in controls (early H/M, p = 0.0024, p = 0.0001; delayed H/M, p = 0.0002, p = 0.0001; washout rate, p = 0.0012, p = 0.0052 vs those without and vs controls, respectively). Accuracy for detecting cardiac involvement was 86% for delayed H/M and washout rate and 79% for early H/M and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly lower cardiac event-free rates in patients with early H/M ≤ 2.18 and BNP > 21.8 pg/ml than those with early H/M > 2.18 and BNP ≤ 21.8 pg/ml (log-rank test p = 0.006). Cardiac sympathetic nerve function was damaged in CSS patients with cardiac involvement. 123 I-MIBG scintigraphy was useful in detecting cardiac involvement and in predicting cardiac events. (orig.)

Findings in multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis and correlation with pathology of liver explants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Haberman, D.; Castignola, M.; Mela, M.; Paladini, H.; Santilli, J.P.; Gruz, F.; Gondolesi, G.

2013-01-01

Objectives: To describe the imagenological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients using a dynamic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technique, and correlate these findings with histological tumor grades. Materials and methods: A retrospective, descriptive observational study was conducted to evaluate 51 nodules in 32 liver transplant patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. The pathology of liver explants was used as a reference. Nodules with hepatocellular carcinoma histopathology were retrospectively analyzed by computed tomography scans performed pre-transplant. Using a dynamic multidetector computed tomography technique, we evaluated the most common imagenological behavior reported in the literature: arterial enhancement, washout, capsule, and intratumoral arterial vessels. Results: Forty-six of 51 (90%) tumors showed arterial enhancement. Of the 46 tumors with arterial enhancement, 39 (85%) had washout in portal-late phase. Five of 51 (10%) were hypovascular. Twenty-two of 51 (43%) had capsule and 12 of 51 (24%) showed intratumoral arterial vessels. The more frequent image combination was the combination of arterial enhancement and washout (39 of 51 tumors or 76%). The most frequent histological grade was II (35 of 51 tumors or 69%). Statistically significant relationships were found between histological grade tumors and imagenological behavior: arterial enhancement and hypovascular. Conclusion: In our population, arterial enhancement with washout in portal-late phases was observed in most of the tumors. Our results are consistent with previously reported studies, demonstrating the high reliability of this imaging pattern for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. (authors) [es

Computed tomography and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings in adrenal candidiasis and histoplasmosis: two cases.

Science.gov (United States)

Altinmakas, Emre; Guo, Ming; Kundu, Uma R; Habra, Mouhammed Amir; Ng, Chaan

2015-01-01

We report the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings in adrenal histoplasmosis and candidiasis. Both demonstrated bilateral hypermetabolic heterogeneous adrenal masses with limited wash-out on delayed CT. Adrenal candidiasis has not been previously reported, nor have the CT wash-out findings in either infection. The adrenal imaging findings are indistinguishable from malignancy, which is more common; but in this setting, physicians should be alert to the differential diagnosis of fungal infections, since it can be equally deadly. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Collagen types I and III propeptides as markers of healing in chronic leg ulcers. A noninvasive method for the determination of procollagen propeptides in wound fluid--influence of growth hormone

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rasmussen, L H; Jensen, L T; Avnstorp, C

1992-01-01

.25, and 1 IU/cm2/day), each dose for 1 week, followed by 1 week washout. On alternate days, three and two times during treatment and washout periods, respectively, the ulcers were washed and incubated for 30 minutes with sterile water. No changes in healing rates in relation to growth hormone application......%), in the fourth week, (p healing rates (r = 0.57, p = 0.04; and r = 0.64, p = 0.01, respectively). The authors conclude that propeptide measurements may be useful markers of healing in clinical studies....

On the removal efficiency of padon decay products by fog droplets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Girgzhdis, A.I.; Girgzhdene, R.V.; Shopauskas, K.K.

1978-01-01

The results of the experimental investigations on quantitative evaluation of the 218 Po and 214 Bi washout efficiency by fog in an aerosol chamber are presented. The radioactivity has been measured by means of α-spectrometric method. Comparison of eXperimental and calculated data is made. The 218 Po and 214 Bi washout efficiency ratio is found to be dependent mainly on the aerosol concentration. The change of 218 Po concentration imitates the process of coagulation of free atoms of light ions, and that of 214 Bi - of aerosol particles by fog droplets

Spatial distribution and temporal changes of pulmonary thallium uptake in myocardial perfusion studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mannting, F.

1990-01-01

Spatial distribution and temporal changes in pulmonary thallium (Tl) uptake were assessed in 24 normal subjects and 35 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In studies carried out directly after stress and 3 h later, pulmonary Tl uptake was assessed as body surface area corrected absolute pulmonary uptake in the upper, middle and lower right lung regions, and in the total right lung and upper left lung. Pulmonary/myocardial (PM) uptake ratios for these 5 regions were calculated by mean pulmonary/mean background-corrected myocardial uptake. Additionally, wash-out was assessed for each region and for the myocardium. In normal subjects, the inital pulmonary Tl uptake, the PM ratios and Tl wash-out were greater in the lower lung regions than in the upper. In the late studies, no significant differences in Tl content or PM ratios were found among the regions. In patients with CAD, initial pulmonary Tl putake and PM ratios were greater in the lower than in the upper regions, and higher than for the normal subjects in all pulmonary regions (P<0.001). Tl wash-out was significantly higher in the low and middle regions versus the upper region (P<0.001) and higher in all regions than in normal subjects (P<0.001). In the late studies no significant differences in Tl content or PM ratios were found between any pulmonary regions. Pulmonary Tl content was, in all regions, higher in CAD than in normal subjects (P<0.01), as were the PM ratios (P<0.001). In conclusion, in normal subjects as well as in patients with CAD, pulmonary Tl uptake is greatest in the lower lung regions. Absolute pulmonary Tl uptake, PM ratios and pulmonary wash-out are greater in all lung regions in patients with CAD. Lower myocardial uptake may be the more important factor in producting the increased PM ratios in patients with CAD. Pulmonary redistribution is complete after 3-4 h. These characteristics strongly affect pulmonary Tl uptake ratios and wash-out assessments. (orig.)

Contemporary management of rectal injuries at Level I trauma centers: The results of an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional study.

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, Carlos V R; Teixeira, Pedro G; Furay, Elisa; Sharpe, John P; Musonza, Tashinga; Holcomb, John; Bui, Eric; Bruns, Brandon; Hopper, H Andrew; Truitt, Michael S; Burlew, Clay C; Schellenberg, Morgan; Sava, Jack; VanHorn, John; Eastridge, Pa-C Brian; Cross, Alicia M; Vasak, Richard; Vercruysse, Gary; Curtis, Eleanor E; Haan, James; Coimbra, Raul; Bohan, Phillip; Gale, Stephen; Bendix, Peter G

2018-02-01

Rectal injuries have been historically treated with a combination of modalities including direct repair, resection, proximal diversion, presacral drainage, and distal rectal washout. We hypothesized that intraperitoneal rectal injuries may be selectively managed without diversion and the addition of distal rectal washout and presacral drainage in the management of extraperitoneal injuries are not beneficial. This is an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional retrospective study from 2004 to 2015 of all patients who sustained a traumatic rectal injury and were admitted to one of the 22 participating centers. Demographics, mechanism, location and grade of injury, and management of rectal injury were collected. The primary outcome was abdominal complications (abdominal abscess, pelvic abscess, and fascial dehiscence). After exclusions, there were 785 patients in the cohort. Rectal injuries were intraperitoneal in 32%, extraperitoneal in 58%, both in 9%, and not documented in 1%. Rectal injury severity included the following grades I, 28%; II, 41%; III, 13%; IV, 12%; and V, 5%. Patients with intraperitoneal injury managed with a proximal diversion developed more abdominal complications (22% vs 10%, p = 0.003). Among patients with extraperitoneal injuries, there were more abdominal complications in patients who received proximal diversion (p = 0.0002), presacral drain (p = 0.004), or distal rectal washout (p = 0.002). After multivariate analysis, distal rectal washout [3.4 (1.4-8.5), p = 0.008] and presacral drain [2.6 (1.1-6.1), p = 0.02] were independent risk factors to develop abdominal complications. Most patients with intraperitoneal injuries undergo direct repair or resection as well as diversion, although diversion is not associated with improved outcomes. While 20% of patients with extraperitoneal injuries still receive a presacral drain and/or distal rectal washout, these additional maneuvers are independently associated with a three

Realization of a Desktop Flight Simulation System for Motion-Cueing Studies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Berkay Volkaner

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Parallel robotic mechanisms are generally used in flight simulators with a motion-cueing algorithm to create an unlimited motion feeling of a simulated medium in a bounded workspace of the simulator. A major problem in flight simulators is that the simulation has an unbounded space and the manipulator has a limited one. Using a washout filter in the motion-cueing algorithm overcomes this. In this study, a low-cost six degrees of freedom (DoF desktop parallel manipulator is used to test a classical motion-cueing algorithm; the algorithm's functionality is confirmed with a Simulink real-time environment. Translational accelerations and angular velocities of the simulated medium obtained from FlightGear flight simulation software are processed through a generated washout filter algorithm and the simulated medium's motion information is transmitted to the desktop parallel robotic mechanism as a set point for each leg. The major issues of this paper are designing a desktop simulation system, controlling the parallel manipulator, communicating between the flight simulation and the platform, designing a motion-cueing algorithm and determining the parameters of the washout filters.

Evaluation of dynamic enhanced CT scanning in the differentiation of adrenal lipid-poor adenomas with metastases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fang Xiangming; Hu Chunhong; Hu Xiaoyun; Chen Hongwei; Wu Liyuan; Zou Xinnong; Qian Pingyan

2006-01-01

Objective: To evaluate dynamic enhanced CT in differentiating adrenal metastases from adrenal lipid-poor adenomas(ALPA). Methods: Both plain and dynamic enhanced CT scanning was performed in 9 metastases with 13 masses and 28 lipid-poor adenoma with 30 masses. The types of time-density curve according to peak time(PT) and relative washout percentage(Washr) besides shape, size, margin, internal structure, surrounding status and enhanced pattern of each lesion were measuerd and compared between the two groups of metastases and ALPA. Results: There is difference between metastases and ALPA in the aspects of shape, density, neighboring structure and the type of enhancement. The type of TDC of matastases was characterized by fast-washin and fast-washout, which was quite differed from the type of TDC of ALPA characterized by fast-washin and slow-washout. According to this, the sensitiveity and specificity for differentiating metastases from ALPA were 96.7%, 92.3%. Conclusion: The types of TDC of dynamic enhanced CT is of great value in differentiating metastases from ALPA. (authors)

Influence of Animal Heating on PET Imaging Quantification and Kinetics: Biodistribution of 18F-Tetrafluoroborate and 18F-FDG in Mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Goetz, Christian; Podein, Matthias; Braun, Friederike; Weber, Wolfgang A; Choquet, Philippe; Constantinesco, André; Mix, Michael

2017-07-01

Different environmental conditions under anesthesia may lead to unstable homeostatic conditions in rodents and therefore may alter kinetics. In this study, the impact of different heating conditions on PET imaging quantification was evaluated. Methods: Two groups of 6 adult female BALB/c nude mice with subcutaneously implanted tumors underwent microPET imaging after injection of 18 F-labeled tetrafluoroborate or 18 F-FDG. Dynamic scans were acquired under optimal and suboptimal heating conditions. Time-activity curves were analyzed to calculate uptake and washout time constants. Results: With 18 F-labeled tetrafluoroborate, optimal animal heating led to a stable heart rate during acquisition (515 ± 35 [mean ± SD] beats/min), whereas suboptimal heating led to a lower heart rate and a higher SD (470 ± 84 beats/min). Both uptake and washout time constants were faster ( P heating. Conclusion: Although the difference in heart rates was slight, optimal heating yielded significantly faster uptake and washout kinetics than suboptimal heating in all organs for both tracers. © 2017 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Correlates of diuretic renography in experimental hydronephrosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kekomaeki, M.R.; Rikalainen, H.; Ruotsalainen, P.; Bertenyi, C.

1989-02-01

We studied the correlations between diuretic renographs and kidney function in experimental hydronephrosis in rabbits. Features of furosemide-stimulated /sup 99m/Tc-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid renographs were compared to the growth rate, thirst test and endogenous creatinine clearance rate in a chronic solitary-kidney animal model. Intravenous pyelograms, done four weeks after laparotomy, left nephrectomy, bladder resection and constriction of the right pyeloureteric junction, showed signs of obstruction in all the 12 animals of the experimental group. An absent tracer washout after intravenous furosemide, found in five animals, was associated with retarded growth, isosthenuria and an abnormal creatinine clearance. In all of the other seven animals, a distinct tracer washout after intravenous furosemide was accompanied with a normal growth rate and creatinine clearance. However, no one of these seven animals had a normal ability to retain water and concentrate urine in the thirst test. We conclude that, in this experimental model, a furosemide-induced tracer washout from the kidney pelvis cannot be taken as a proof of the absence of any upper urinary tract obstruction.

Renal hemodynamic response to L-dopa during acute renal failure in man

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zech, P; Collard, M; Guey, A; Plantier, J; Bernard, M; Berthoux, F; Pinet, A; Traeger, J [Hopital Edouard-Herriot, 69 - Lyon (France)

1975-12-20

Twelve patients with acute renal failure underwent L-dopa infusion into a renal artery and /sup 133/Xenon wash-out recordings before and during the infusion. Urine volume and sodium output were also compared during two 24 hours periods, before and after the procedure. Hemodynamic data were compared with data obtained from a matched group of patients receiving Furosemide (8 patients) in place of L-dopa. Only L-dopa infusion significantly increased outer cortical distribution. No blood flow change could be demonstrated in any component nor did the drug improve unitary excretion or the general course of the disease. Control data shows that reduced cortical distribution is the most consistent feature of acute renal failure, so that L-dopa does partially improve intrarenal hemodynamics in this condition. The failure of the drug to restore kidney function may be explained by the following reasons: inability of the agent to restore a normal wash-out pattern: involvment of non-hemodynamic factors, as suggested by comparing similar wash-out improvements after L-dopa in acute glomerulonephritis and in reversible acute renal failure.

Renal hemodynamic response to L-dopa during acute renal failure in man

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zech, P.; Collard, M.; Guey, A.; Plantier, J.; Bernard, M.; Berthoux, F.; Pinet, A.; Traeger, J.

1975-01-01

Twelve patients with acute renal failure underwent L.dopa infusion into a renal artery and 133 Xenon wash-out recordings before and during the infusion. Urine volume and sodium output were also compared during two 24 hours periods, before and after the procedure. Hemodynamic data were compared with data obtained from a matched group of patients receiving Furosemide (8 patients) in place of L.dopa. Only L.dopa infusion significantly increased outer cortical distribution. No blood flow change could be demonstrated in any component nor did the drug improve unitary excretion or the general course of the disease. Control data shows that reduced cortical distribution is the most consistent feature of acute renal failure, so that L.dopa does partially improve intrarenal hemodynamics in this condition. The failure of the drug to restore kidney function may be explained by the following reasons: inability of the agent to restore a normal wash-out pattern: involvment of non-hemodynamic factors, as suggested by comparing similar wash-out improvements after L.dopa in acute glomerulonephritis and in reversible acute renal failure [fr

Correlates of diuretic renography in experimental hydronephrosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kekomaeki, M.R.; Rikalainen, H.; Ruotsalainen, P.; Bertenyi, C.

1989-01-01

We studied the correlations between diuretic renographs and kidney function in experimental hydronephrosis in rabbits. Features of furosemide-stimulated /sup 99m/Tc-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid renographs were compared to the growth rate, thirst test and endogenous creatinine clearance rate in a chronic solitary-kidney animal model. Intravenous pyelograms, done four weeks after laparotomy, left nephrectomy, bladder resection and constriction of the right pyeloureteric junction, showed signs of obstruction in all the 12 animals of the experimental group. An absent tracer washout after intravenous furosemide, found in five animals, was associated with retarded growth, isosthenuria and an abnormal creatinine clearance. In all of the other seven animals, a distinct tracer washout after intravenous furosemide was accompanied with a normal growth rate and creatinine clearance. However, no one of these seven animals had a normal ability to retain water and concentrate urine in the thirst test. We conclude that, in this experimental model, a furosemide-induced tracer washout from the kidney pelvis cannot be taken as a proof of the absence of any upper urinary tract obstruction

{sup 123}I-MIBG imaging detects cardiac involvement and predicts cardiac events in Churg-Strauss syndrome

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Horiguchi, Yoriko; Morita, Yukiko [National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa (Japan); Tsurikisawa, Naomi; Akiyama, Kazuo [National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Clinical Research Centre for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa (Japan)

2011-02-15

In Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) it is important to detect cardiac involvement, which predicts poor prognosis. This study evaluated whether {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy could detect cardiac damage and predict cardiac events in CSS. {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy was performed in 28 patients with CSS, 12 of whom had cardiac involvement. The early and delayed heart to mediastinum ratio (early H/M and delayed H/M) and washout rate were calculated by using {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy and compared with those in control subjects. Early H/M and delayed H/M were significantly lower and the washout rate was significantly higher in patients with cardiac involvement than in those without and in controls (early H/M, p = 0.0024, p = 0.0001; delayed H/M, p = 0.0002, p = 0.0001; washout rate, p = 0.0012, p = 0.0052 vs those without and vs controls, respectively). Accuracy for detecting cardiac involvement was 86% for delayed H/M and washout rate and 79% for early H/M and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly lower cardiac event-free rates in patients with early H/M {<=} 2.18 and BNP > 21.8 pg/ml than those with early H/M > 2.18 and BNP {<=} 21.8 pg/ml (log-rank test p = 0.006). Cardiac sympathetic nerve function was damaged in CSS patients with cardiac involvement. {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy was useful in detecting cardiac involvement and in predicting cardiac events. (orig.)

In vivo imaging of monocyte trafficking with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose labeled monocytes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paik, Jin Young; Lee, Kyung Han; Han, Yu Mi; Choe, Yearn Seong; Kim, Byung Tae

2000-01-01

Since the ability to monitor in vivo monocyte trafficking would contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of various inflammatory disorders, we investigated the feasibility of labeling human monocytes with 18 F-FDG. Human monocytes were separated by Ficoll/Hypaque gradient and purity was assessed by flow cytometry. The influence of insulin and/or glucose on labeling efficiency was evaluated. Cell viability and activation was measured with trypan blue exclusion and hydrogen peroxide assays, respectively. Label stability was measured for up to 18 hr, and the effect of insulin pre-incubation on FDG washout was investigated. PET images were acquired in SD rats at various time points after injection of FDG labeled monocytes. Monocytes were >85% pure, and labeling efficiency was 35% for 1x106 cells after 40 min incubation with 2 mCi 18 F-FDG without insulin. Pre-incubation with 10∼100 nM insulin significantly increased FDG uptake which reached 400% of baseline levels, whereas presence of glucose or serum decreased FDG uptake. Labeled cells were >90% viable for up to 22 hr, and the labeling process did appear to significantly activate cells, Washout studies however, demonstrated gradual washout of the FDG from monocytes after initial uptake PET images of FDG labeled monocytes in SD rats showed consistent findings. Utilizing insulin effects on cellular glucose metabolism may be a feasible way of labeling monocytes with 18 F-FDG for PET imaging. However, gradual washout of FDG after initial uptake poses as a potential problem which needs to be addressed before practical application

Regional distribution of perfusion and ventilation in hamartoangiomyomatosis of the lung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tominaga, Shigeru; Ohsaka, Tomohisa; Nanbu, Masashi; Toyoda, Keiko; Mori, Yutaka; Kawakami, Kenji; Inatomi, Keiko; Kira, Shiro

1989-01-01

We investigated regional distribution of perfusion and ventilation in three cases of hamartoangiomyomatosis (HAM) by /sup 133/Xe gas and /sup 99m/Tc-MAA. In two cases, /sup 133/Xe washout were dominantly delayed in middle lung field and in the third case, it was delayed in upper lung field. This distribution was different from the result in the other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In most cases of COPD, /sup 133/Xe washout was prominently delayed in the lower lung field. Distribution of pulmonary perfusion in HAM were consistent with that of ventilation as in COPD.

Intravenous nitroglycerin as an experimental model of vascular headache. Basic characteristics

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Iversen, Helle Klingenberg; Olesen, J; Tfelt-Hansen, P

1989-01-01

To develop a reliable experimental model of vascular headache, we studied the dose-response relationship between headache and i.v. nitroglycerin (NTG) in 10 healthy subjects. NTG was infused intravenously over periods of 10 min separated by wash-out periods. Doses of 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2......) at various doses and declined rapidly after NTG discontinuation. Wash-out periods of 10-20 min were sufficient. The reproducibility of headache intensity and character was satisfactory in the retest experiment. There were no unpleasant side effects and no visible flushing. Thus blindness was maintained. I...

VEGF-C Is a Thyroid Marker of Malignancy Superior to VEGF-A in the Differential Diagnostics of Thyroid Lesions.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kosma Woliński

Full Text Available Thyroid nodular goiter is one of the most common medical conditions affecting even over a half of adult population. The risk of malignancy is rather small but noticeable-estimated by numerous studies to be about 3-10%. The definite differentiation between benign and malignant ones is a vital issue in endocrine practice. The aim of the current study was to assess the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A and VEGF-C on the mRNA level in FNAB washouts in case of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and to evaluate the diagnostic value of these markers of malignancy.Patients undergoing fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB in our department between January 2013 and May 2014 were included. In case of all patients who gave the written consent, after ultrasonography (US and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB performed as routine medical procedure the needle was flushed with RNA Later solution, the washouts were frozen in -80 Celsius degrees. Expression of VEGF-A and VEGF-C and GADPH (reference gene was assessed in washouts on the mRNA level using the real-time PCR technique. Probes of patients who underwent subsequent thyroidectomy and were diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC; proved by post-surgical histopathology were analyzed. Similar number of patients with benign cytology were randomly selected to be a control group.Thirty one DTCs and 28 benign thyroid lesions were analyzed. Expression of VEGF-A was insignificantly higher in patients with DTCs (p = 0.13. Expression of VEGF-C was significantly higher in patients with DTC. The relative expression of VEGF-C (in comparison with GAPDH was 0.0049 for DTCs and 0.00070 for benign lesions, medians - 0.0036 and 0.000024 respectively (p<0.0001.Measurement of expression VEGF-C on the mRNA level in washouts from FNAB is more useful than more commonly investigated VEGF-A. Measurement of VEGF-C in FNAB washouts do not allow for fully reliable differentiation of benign and

Pulmonary function in microgravity

Science.gov (United States)

Guy, H. J.; Prisk, G. K.; West, J. B.

1992-01-01

We report the successful collection of a large quantity of human resting pulmonary function data on the SLS-1 mission. Preliminary analysis suggests that cardiac stroke volumes are high on orbit, and that an adaptive reduction takes at least several days, and in fact may still be in progress after 9 days on orbit. It also suggests that pulmonary capillary blood volumes are high, and remain high on orbit, but that the pulmonary interstitium is not significantly impacted. The data further suggest that the known large gravitational gradients of lung function have only a modest influence on single breath tests such as the SBN washout. They account for only approximately 25% of the phase III slope of nitrogen, on vital capacity SBN washouts. These gradients are only a moderate source of the cardiogenic oscillations seen in argon (bolus gas) and nitrogen (resident gas), on such tests. They may have a greater role in generating the normal CO2 oscillations, as here the phase relationship to argon and nitrogen reverses in microgravity, at least at mid exhalation in those subjects studied to date. Microgravity may become a useful tool in establishing the nature of the non-gravitational mechanisms that can now be seen to play such a large part in the generation of intra-breath gradients and oscillations of expired gas concentration. Analysis of microgravity multibreath nitrogen washouts, single breath washouts from more physiological pre-inspiratory volumes, both using our existing SLS-1 data, and data from the upcoming D-2 and SLS-2 missions, should be very fruitful in this regard.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).

Quantitative analysis of exercise 201Tl myocardial emission CT in patients with coronary artery disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okada, Mitsuhiro; Kawai, Naoki; Yamamoto, Shuhei

1984-01-01

The clinical usefulness of quantitative analysis of exercise thallium-201 myocardial emission computed tomography (ECT) was evaluated in coronary artery disease (CAD). The subjects consisted of 20 CAD patients and five normal controls. All CAD patients underwent coronary angiography. Tomographic thallium-201 myocardial imaging was performed with a rotating gamma camera, and long-axial and short-axial myocardial images of the left ventricle were reconstructed. The tomographic images were interpreted quantitatively using circumferential profile analysis. Based on features of regional myocardial thallium-201 kinetics, two types of abnormalities were studied: (1) diminished initial distribution (stress defect) and (2) slow washout of thallium-201, as evidenced by patients' initial thallium-201 uptake and 3-hour washout rate profiles which fell below the normal limits, respectively. Two diagnostic criteria including the stress defect and a combination of the stress defect and slow washout were used to detect coronary artery lesions of significance (>=75 % luminal narrowing). The ischemic volumes were also evaluated by quantitative analysis using thallium-201 ECT. The diagnostic accuracy of the stress defect criterion was 95 % for left anterior descending, 90 % for right, and 70 % for left circumflex coronary artery lesions. The combined criteria of the stress defect and slow washout increased detection sensitivity with a moderate loss of specificity for identifying individual coronary artery lesion. A relatively high diagnostic accuracy was obtained using the stress defect criterion for multiple vessel disease (75 %). Ischemic myocardial volume was significantly larger in triple vessel than in single vessel disease (p < 0.05) using the combined criteria. It was concluded that quantitative analysis of exercise thallium-201 myocardial ECT images proves useful for evaluating coronary artery lesions. (author)

Antihypertensive effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in comparison with drug treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Silverdal, Jonas; Mourtzinis, Georgios; Stener-Victorin, Elisabet; Mannheimer, Clas; Manhem, Karin

2012-10-01

Hypertension is a major risk factor for vascular disease, yet blood pressure (BP) control is unsatisfactory low, partly due to side-effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is well tolerated and studies have demonstrated BP reduction. In this study, we compared the BP lowering effect of 2.5 mg felodipin once daily with 30 min of bidaily low-frequency TENS in 32 adult hypertensive subjects (mean office BP 152.7/90.0 mmHg) in a randomized, crossover design. Office BP and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were performed at baseline and at the end of each 4-week treatment and washout period. Felodipin reduced office BP by 10/6 mmHg (p TENS reduced office BP by 5/1.5 mmHg (p TENS washout, BP was further reduced and significantly lower than at baseline, but at levels similar to BP after felodipin washout and therefore reasonably caused by factors other than the treatment per se. ABPM revealed a significant systolic reduction of 3 mmHg by felodipin, but no significant changes were noted after TENS. We conclude that our study does not present any solid evidence of BP reduction of TENS.

Evaluation of Cardiac Mitochondrial Function by a Nuclear Imaging Technique using Technetium-99m-MIBI Uptake Kinetics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuo, Shinro; Nakajima, Kenichi; Kinuya, Seigo

2013-01-01

Mitochondria play an important role in energy production for the cell. The proper function of a myocardial cell largely depends on the functional capacity of the mitochondria. Therefore it is necessary to establish a novel and reliable method for a non-invasive assessment of mitochondrial function and metabolism in humans. Although originally designed for evaluating myocardial perfusion, 99m Tc-MIBI can be also used to evaluate cardiac mitochondrial function. In a clinical study on ischemic heart disease, reverse redistribution of 99m Tc-MIBI was evident after direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The presence of increased washout of 99m Tc-MIBI was associated with the infarct-related artery and preserved left ventricular function. In non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, an increased washout rate of 99m Tc-MIBI, which correlated inversely with left ventricular ejection fraction, was observed in patients with congestive heart failure. Increased 99m Tc-MIBI washout was also observed in mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Noninvasive assessment of cardiac mitochondrial function could be greatly beneficial in monitoring possible cardiotoxic drug use and in the evaluation of cardiac damage in clinical medicine

Influence of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy on detection of ischemic area with exercise thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Toyama, Takuji; Nishimura, Tsunehiko; Uehara, Toshiisa

1992-01-01

Sixty-four patients with single left anterior descending artery disease having effort angina (group A: 40 patients with hypertrophic hypertension, group B: 10 patients with hypertrophic hypertension, group C: 14 patients with non-hypertrophic hypertension) were assessed to determine the influence of hypertensive left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy on detection of ischemic area. The criterion of hypertrophy by two-dimensional echocardiography was >12 mm in the wall thickness of interventricular septal or posterior wall. Population in Group B might show low detectability in ischemic area by 201 Tl myocardial scintigraphy (positive thallium rate 60%, defect score 2.7±3.6), and high lung thallium uptake and high frequence of ECG positive among three groups. In semiquantitative analysis, the washout rate of the posterolateral wall and %RD (delayed %uptake-initial %uptake) of the septal wall in patients with Group B were lowest among three groups. However, the washout rate in the septal wall against the posterior wall, and the initial %uptake and the delayed %uptake of the septal wall were not significantly different among three groups. We could conclude that the decreased washout rate in nonischemic area with hypertensive LV hypertrophy might make the ischemic area masked. (author)

Modern efficient methods of steel vertical oil tanks clean-up

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nekrasov Vladimir

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The legislative base of the Russian Federation operating in the field of operation of tanks and tank parks is considered, and consecutive stages of technological process of cleaning of vertical steel tanks from oil ground deposits are presented. In work shortcomings of existing most widespread electromechanical mixers are described when using a hydraulic method of removal and prevention of formation of ground deposits in tanks with oil and oil products. For the purpose of increase of efficiency, reliability and decrease in power consumption of washout of oil ground deposits in tanks the new design of system of funneled washout and prevention of formation of deposits is offered.

Ecstasy (MDMA) Alters Cardiac Gene Expression and DNA Methylation: Implications for Circadian Rhythm Dysfunction in the Heart.

Science.gov (United States)

Koczor, Christopher A; Ludlow, Ivan; Hight, Robert S; Jiao, Zhe; Fields, Earl; Ludaway, Tomika; Russ, Rodney; Torres, Rebecca A; Lewis, William

2015-11-01

MDMA (ecstasy) is an illicit drug that stimulates monoamine neurotransmitter release and inhibits reuptake. MDMA's acute cardiotoxicity includes tachycardia and arrhythmia which are associated with cardiomyopathy. MDMA acute cardiotoxicity has been explored, but neither long-term MDMA cardiac pathological changes nor epigenetic changes have been evaluated. Microarray analyses were employed to identify cardiac gene expression changes and epigenetic DNA methylation changes. To identify permanent MDMA-induced pathogenetic changes, mice received daily 10- or 35-day MDMA, or daily 10-day MDMA followed by 25-day saline washout (10 + 25 days). MDMA treatment caused differential gene expression (p 1.5) in 752 genes following 10 days, 558 genes following 35 days, and 113 genes following 10-day MDMA + 25-day saline washout. Changes in MAPK and circadian rhythm gene expression were identified as early as 10 days. After 35 days, circadian rhythm genes (Per3, CLOCK, ARNTL, and NPAS2) persisted to be differentially expressed. MDMA caused DNA hypermethylation and hypomethylation that was independent of gene expression; hypermethylation of genes was found to be 71% at 10 days, 68% at 35 days, and 91% at 10 + 25 days washout. Differential gene expression paralleled DNA methylation in 22% of genes at 10-day treatment, 17% at 35 days, and 48% at 10 + 25 days washout. We show here that MDMA induced cardiac epigenetic changes in DNA methylation where hypermethylation predominated. Moreover, MDMA induced gene expression of key elements of circadian rhythm regulatory genes. This suggests a fundamental organism-level event to explain some of the etiologies of MDMA dysfunction in the heart. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A comparative study on the modes of action of TAK-438, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, and lansoprazole in primary cultured rabbit gastric glands.

Science.gov (United States)

Matsukawa, Jun; Hori, Yasunobu; Nishida, Haruyuki; Kajino, Masahiro; Inatomi, Nobuhiro

2011-05-01

TAK-438 is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) type antisecretory agent that reversibly inhibits gastric H+, K+-ATPase. Previously, we showed that TAK-438 has superior efficacy compared to lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, in the inhibition of acid secretion in vivo. In this study, we investigated the differences in the mode of actions of the two drugs using primary cultured rabbit gastric glands. TAK-438 and lansoprazole inhibited gastric acid formation in acutely isolated gastric glands (IC₅₀) values, 0.30 and 0.76 μM, respectively). In cultured gastric glands that were preincubated with TAK-438, the inhibitory effect on forskolin-stimulated acid formation was augmented over the incubation period, whereas the inhibitory effect of lansoprazole was not affected by time of incubation. Next, we evaluated the durations of the actions of TAK-438 and lansoprazole after gastric glands were incubated with either drug for 2h followed by washout. Even 8h after the drug washout, TAK-438 at higher concentrations inhibited acid formation, but the inhibitory effect of lansoprazole disappeared immediately after washout. Additionally, only a small amount of [¹⁴C] lansoprazole accumulated in resting glands, and this accumulation was enhanced by treatment with 1 μM of forskolin. In contrast, high levels of [¹⁴C] TAK-438 accumulated in both resting and forskolin-treated glands. Furthermore, a 2-h preincubation followed by washout demonstrated a slow clearance of [¹⁴C] TAK-438 from the glands. These findings suggest that TAK-438 exerts a longer and more potent antisecretory effect than lansoprazole as a result of its high accumulation and slow clearance from the gastric glands. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intravenous and Subcutaneous Toxicity and Absorption Kinetics in Mice and Dogs of the Antileishmanial Triterpene Saponin PX-6518

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Louis Maes

2013-04-01

Full Text Available The intravenous (IV and subcutaneous (SC toxicity and absorption kinetics of the antileishmanial triterpene saponin PX-6518 and its active constituents maesabalide-III and -IV were studied in mice and dogs. A high-dose wash-out study of PX-6518 at 20 mg/kg SC for 5 days and a single low-dose wash-out study at 1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg SC and IV with follow-up until day 35 after treatment were performed in mice. Beagle dogs received three escalating doses of maesabalide-III and -IV at weekly intervals (0.01, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg IV and maesabalide-III was also dosed SC at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg. Endpoint measurements included clinical, hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Pathology and toxicokinetic studies were performed on the dogs. Whereas the neutrophils and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were increased in the high-dose wash-out mouse study, these parameters did not change in the low-dose wash-out study. The dogs were far more susceptible than mice to liver toxicity (hepatocellular necrosis and elevated liver enzymes and developed a painful inflammatory reaction at the SC injection site. Toxicokinetic analysis revealed a non dose-linear systemic availability with plasma concentrations above the antileishmanial IC50 after only a single dose at 0.01 mg/kg IV or 0.1 mg/kg SC. Related to the long half-life (T1/2 71–91 h after SC dosing, repeated dosing at weekly intervals may result in drug accumulation and enhanced toxicity. It was decided not to pursue further drug development for PX-6518 because of the hepatotoxic risk.

Analysis of positional isotope exchange in ATP by cleavage of the βP-OγP bond. Demonstration of negligible positional isotope exchange by myosin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dale, M.P.; Hackney, D.D.

1987-01-01

A method for analysis of positional isotope exchange (PIX) during ATP ↔ HOH oxygen exchange is presented that uses a two-step degradation of ATP resulting in cleavage of the βP-OγP bond. This cleavage yields P/sub i/ derived from the γ-phosphoryl of ATP that contains all four of the γ oxygens. Both PIX between the β, γ-bridge and β-nonbridge positions and washout of the γ-nonbridge oxygens can be simultaneously followed by using ATP labeled with 17 O at the β-nonbridge positions and 18 O at the β,γ-bridge and γ-nonbridge positions. Application of this method to ATP ↔ HOH exchange during single turnovers of myosin indicates that the bulk of the ATP undergoes rapid washout of γ-nonbridge oxygens in the virtual absence of PIX. At 25 0 C with subfragment 1 the scrambling rate is at the limit of detectability of approximately 0.001 s -1 , which is 50-fold slower than the steady-state rate. This corresponds to a probability of scrambling for the β-oxygens of bound ADP of 1 in 10,000 for each cycle of reversible hydrolysis of bound ATP. A fraction of the ATP, however, does not undergo rapid washout. With myosin and stoichiometric ATP at 0 0 C, this fraction correspond to 10% of the ATP remaining at 36 s, or 2% of the initial ATP, and an equivalent level of ATP is found that does not bind irreversibly to myosin in a cold chase experiment. A significant level of apparent PIX is observed with subfragment 1 in the fraction that resists washout, and this apparent PIX is shown to be due to contaminant adenylate kinase activity. This apparent PIX due to adenylate kinase provides a possible explanation for the PIX observed by Geeves et al. with subfragment 1

NREM sleep architecture and relation to GH/IGF-1 axis in Laron syndrome.

Science.gov (United States)

Verrillo, Elisabetta; Bizzarri, Carla; Cappa, Marco; Bruni, Oliviero; Pavone, Martino; Cutrera, Renato

2010-01-01

Laron syndrome (LS), known as growth hormone (GH) receptor deficiency, is a rare form of inherited GH resistance. Sleep disorders were described as a common feature of adult LS patients, while no data are available in children. Bi-directional interactions between human sleep and the somatotropic system were previously described, mainly between slow wave sleep and the nocturnal GH surge. To analyze the sleep macro- and microstructure in LS and to evaluate the influence of substitutive insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) therapy on it. Two young LS females underwent polysomnography; the first study was performed during IGF-1 therapy, the second one after a 3-month wash-out period. In both patients, the sleep macrostructure showed that time in bed, sleep period time, total sleep time, sleep efficiency and rapid eye movement (REM) percentage were all increased during wash-out. The sleep microstructure (cyclic alternating pattern: CAP) showed significantly higher EEG slow oscillations (A1%) in NREM sleep, both during IGF-1 therapy and wash-out. Sleep macrostructure in LS children is slightly affected by substitutive IGF-1 therapy. Sleep microstructure shows an increase of A1%, probably related to abnormally high hypothalamic GHRH secretion, due to GH insensitivity. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Evaluation of myocardial sympathetic nerve function in patients with mitral valve prolapse using iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kishi, Fumiko; Nomura, Masahiro; Yukinaka, Michiko

1996-01-01

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is closely related to myocardial sympathetic nerve function. This study evaluated the presence of impaired myocardial sympathetic nerve function by Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy in nine patients with MVP. For comparison, 15 healthy subjects without heart disease were investigated (control group). Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and anterior planar myocardial scintigraphy were performed 15 min (initial images) and 3 hours (delayed images) after injection of MIBG (111 MBq). The location and degrees of reduced tracer uptake were evaluated. Myocardial MIBG uptake was quantified by uptake ratio of the heart (H) to upper mediastinum (M) on the anterior planar images (H/M). Percentage washout of MIBG in nine sectors of all oblique slices along the short-axis was calculated. The washout rates were higher at the inferoposterior and septal segments in patients with anterior leaflet prolapse, and at inferoposterior and lateral segments in patients with posterior leaflet prolapse. The bull's eye map showed increased washout rate in the apical and posteroseptal basal segments. There was no significant difference in the H/M ratio between MVP patients and the control group. These results indicate that MIBG can be used to evaluate localized myocardial sympathetic nerve function in MVP. (author)

A Case Report of Herpetic Whitlow with Positive Kanavel’s Cardinal Signs: A Diagnostic and Treatment Difficulty

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Milos Brkljac

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Herpetic whitlow is an acute viral infection of the hand caused by either herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 or 2. Its characteristic findings are significant pain and erythema with overlying nonpurulent vesicles. The differential diagnosis includes flexor tenosynovitis. We present a case of recurrent infection of the middle finger in an immunocompetent 19-year-old girl. Multiple painful pustules with tracking cellulitis were partially treated by oral antibiotics. A recurrence with positive Kanavel’s signs suggested flexor tenosynovitis at seven months. Her symptoms improved transiently following emergent surgical open flexor sheath exploration and washout however, she required two further washouts; at eleven and thirteen months to improve symptoms. Viral cultures were obtained from the third washout as HSV infection was disclosed from further history taking. These were positive for HSV2. Treatment with acyclovir at thirteen months after presentation led to a complete resolution of her symptoms with no further recurrences to date. This rare case highlights the similarity in presentation between flexor sheath infection and herpetic whitlow which can lead to diagnostic confusion and mismanagement. We emphasise the importance of careful past medical history taking as well as considering herpetic whitlow as a differential diagnosis despite the presence of strongly positive Kanavel’s signs.

The relationship between the improvement of cardiac function and the myocardial uptake of I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy treated by beta-blocker

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wakita, Tomio; Numata, Yuichi; Ogata, Yasuhiro; Harada, Eisaku; Mizumasa, Yutaka

1995-01-01

Chronic β-blocker therapy improves hemodynamics and cardiac function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the change in myocardial uptake of I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine ( 123 I-MIBG) before and after treatment has not been determined. Myocardial imaging with 123 I-MIBG was performed before and 2 or 3 months after β-blocker (bisoprolol) therapy in 11 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The following parameters were compared before and after the treatment : 1) New York Heart Association functional class, 2) X-ray cardiothoracic ratio, 3) heart rate and blood pressure, 4) echocardiographic data (left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, and left ventricular ejection fraction), 5) plasma concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine and human atrial natriuretic peptide (HANP), and 6) exercise tolerance time by treadmill. The heart-to-mediastinum ratio of 123 I-MIBG activities obtained 3 hours after intravenous injection (late H/M) and washout rate improved significantly after β-blocker therapy. Cardiothoracic ratio, heart rate, echocardiographic parameters, HANP and exercise tolerance also improved significantly. Late H/M had no significant relationship with any of the clinical parameters, but washout rate was significantly related to left ventricular ejection fraction. These findings suggest that washout rate may be useful to assess the effect of short-term β-blocker therapy in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. (author)

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of nodules in liver cirrhosis.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Tae Kyoung; Jang, Hyun-Jung

2014-04-07

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using microbubble contrast agents are useful for the diagnosis of the nodules in liver cirrhosis. CEUS can be used as a problem-solving method for indeterminate nodules on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or as an initial diagnostic test for small newly detected liver nodules. CEUS has unique advantages over CT and MRI including no renal excretion of contrast, real-time imaging capability, and purely intravascular contrast. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by arterial-phase hypervascularity and later washout (negative enhancement). Benign nodules such as regenerative nodules or dysplastic nodules are usually isoechoic or slightly hypoechoic in the arterial phase and isoechoic in the late phase. However, there are occasional HCC lesions with atypical enhancement including hypovascular HCC and hypervascular HCC without washout. Cholangiocarcinomas are infrequently detected during HCC surveillance and mostly show rim-like or diffuse hypervascularity followed by rapid washout. Hemangiomas are often found at HCC surveillance and are easily diagnosed by CEUS. CEUS can be effectively used in the diagnostic work-up of small nodules detected at HCC surveillance. CEUS is also useful to differentiate malignant and benign venous thrombosis and to guide and monitor the local ablation therapy for HCC.

Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2006 Small Business Award

Science.gov (United States)

Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge 2006 award winners, Arkon Consultants and NuPro Technologies, developed a safer processing system for flexographic printing that includes washout solvents and reclamation/recycling.

Tailored Barium Swallow Study

Science.gov (United States)

... Impulse Oscillimetry (IOS) Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Drive Response Lung Diffusion Capacity Testing (DLCO) Maximum Inspiratory/Expiratory Pressures Nitrogen Washout Performing Pressure Volume Study Performing Routine Pulmonary Test Performing Spirometry Test ...

Esophagram (Barium Swallow Study)

Science.gov (United States)

... Impulse Oscillimetry (IOS) Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Drive Response Lung Diffusion Capacity Testing (DLCO) Maximum Inspiratory/Expiratory Pressures Nitrogen Washout Performing Pressure Volume Study Performing Routine Pulmonary Test Performing Spirometry Test ...

Nocturnal variations in peripheral blood flow, systemic blood pressure, and heart rate in humans

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sindrup, J H; Kastrup, J; Christensen, H

1991-01-01

Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow rate, together with systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate under ambulatory conditions, was measured in the lower legs of 15 normal human subjects for 12-20 h. The 133Xe-washout technique, portable CdTe(Cl) detectors, and a portable data storage uni.......0001). The synchronism of the nocturnal subcutaneous hyperemia and the decrease in systemic mean arterial blood pressure point to a common, possibly central nervous or humoral, eliciting mechanism.......Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow rate, together with systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate under ambulatory conditions, was measured in the lower legs of 15 normal human subjects for 12-20 h. The 133Xe-washout technique, portable CdTe(Cl) detectors, and a portable data storage unit...

Evaluation of the microdialysis technique in the dog fat pad

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Stallknecht, B; Madsen, J; Galbo, H

1999-01-01

was measured by both 133Xe washout and timed weighing of venous blood. Metabolite concentrations in adipose venous plasma calculated from interstitial and arterial metabolite concentrations and 133Xe washout were positively correlated with measured venous concentrations (glucose: r = 0.95, lactate: r = 0.......92, glycerol: r = 0.81). Calculated and measured venous plasma concentrations did not differ for either glucose or lactate, but for glycerol, calculated concentration was on average 76% of measured concentration. Metabolite exchanges (Fick's principle) calculated from interstitial metabolite concentrations...... were positively correlated with measured exchanges only for lactate (r = 0.69). In conclusion, metabolite concentrations in adipose venous plasma can be calculated from microdialysis measurements with greater accuracy for glucose and lactate than for glycerol. The precision, however, is too low...

How are radioactive deposits redistributed among watersheds in post-accidental situations? Lessons learned from the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2016-03-01

As radioactive releases in the atmosphere resulted in heterogeneous deposits on large continental surfaces including forests, farming lands and residential areas, water runoff in contaminated areas governs the downstream redistribution of caesium 134 and 137. Based on several published studies, this report proposes a synthetic overview of the knowledge of radionuclide flows associated to these processes. The quantity of radio-caesium concerned by watershed washouts has been studied, and appeared to be the result of complex hydrologic and erosive processes. Some studies noticed that, in this respect, the comparison between exported flows in Chernobyl and in Fukushima is difficult because the washout of radio-caesium was essentially solid in Fukushima while liquid in Chernobyl. Thus, the strategy applied for the management of aquatic environments is different

Renal angiomyolipoma without visible fat. Can we make the diagnosis using CT and MRI?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lim, Robert S.; McInnes, Matthew D.F.; Schieda, Nicola [The University of Ottawa, Department of Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada); Flood, Trevor A. [The University of Ottawa, Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada); Lavallee, Luke T. [The University of Ottawa, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)

2018-02-15

Renal angiomyolipomas without visible fat (AML.wovf) are benign masses that are incidentally discovered mainly in women. AML.wovf are typically homogeneously hyperdense on unenhanced CT without calcification or haemorrhage. Unenhanced CT pixel analysis is not useful for diagnosis. AML.wovf are characteristically homogeneously hypointense on T2-weighted (T2W)-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Despite early reports, only a minority of AML.wovf show signal intensity drop on chemical-shift MRI due to microscopic fat. AML.wovf most commonly show avid early enhancement with washout kinetics at contrast-enhanced CT and MRI. The combination of homogeneously low T2W and/or ADC signal intensity with avid early enhancement and washout is highly accurate for diagnosis of AML.wovf. (orig.)

THE INFLUENCE OF SPECIFIC EXPENSES OF SPILLWAY DAM ON NOT ROCK THE BASIS OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THE EROSION OF THE RIVERBED DOWNSTREAM

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Z. A. Kurbanova

2013-01-01

Full Text Available When you select a specific consumption of the dam, the corresponding minimum Noah value crest front of the dam, it is necessary to take into account possible changes of the water level regime due to a General erosion of the river channel for attaching in the downstream. Considering this circumstance, has developed a methodology and computer program for calculation of total washout of the bottom of the riverbed downstream waterworks depending on the specific consumption of the dam. In the course of the research were graphic and analytical depending on the impact of specific economical expenditure on the depth of the total washout for fastening downstream of the spillway dam.

Gastrointestinal blood loss induced by three different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Science.gov (United States)

Bidlingmaier, A; Hammermaier, A; Nagyiványi, P; Pabst, G; Waitzinger, J

1995-04-01

A clinical study was performed on 18 healthy volunteers to compare the gastrointestinal daily blood loss induced by oral intake of three different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lysine clonixinate (CAS 55837-30-4), ibuprofen (CAS 15687-27-1) and acetylsalicylic acid (CAS 50-78-2 ASA). For quantitative determination of gastrointestinal blood loss, autologous erythrocytes were radiolabelled in vitro with 51Cr and reinfused at study start. The amount of radioactivity excreted in faeces was measured during a placebo baseline phase of three days, a treatment phase of five days with thrice daily dosing of ASA, ibuprofen or lysine clonixinate and a subsequent wash-out phase of five days. The highest increase of mean daily blood loss over baseline was observed after treatment with ASA (+ 1.66 ml/d versus baseline). Treatment with ibuprofen led to an increase of mean daily blood loss by + 0.52 ml/d. During treatment with lysine clonixinate the mean increase of daily blood loss was +0.32 ml/d versus baseline. In the ibuprofen and lysine clonixinate treatment groups the values of mean daily blood loss decreased during the wash-out phase with respect to the verum phase, whereas the mean daily blood loss during the wash-out phase after treatment with ASA even increased in comparison to the verum phase (mean daily blood loss: +2.07 ml/d versus baseline.

Microarray Gene Expression Analysis of Murine Tumor Heterogeneity Defined by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nick G. Costouros

2002-07-01

Full Text Available Current methods of studying angiogenesis are limited in their ability to serially evaluate in vivo function throughout a target tissue. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI and pharmacokinetic modeling provide a useful method for evaluating tissue vasculature based on contrast accumulation and washout. While it is often assumed that areas of high contrast enhancement and washout comprise areas of increased angiogenesis and tumor activity, the actual molecular pathways that are active in such areas are poorly understood. Using DCE-MRI in a murine subcutaneous tumor model, we were able to perform pharmacokinetic functional analysis of a tumor, coregistration of MRI images with histological cross-sections, immunohistochemistry, laser capture microdissection, and genetic profiling of tumor heterogeneity based on pharmacokinetic parameters. Using imaging as a template for biologic investigation, we have not found evidence of increased expression of proangiogenic modulators at the transcriptional level in either distinct pharmacokinetic region. Furthermore, these regions show no difference on histology and CD31 immunohistochemistry. However, the expression of ribosomal proteins was greatly increased in high enhancement and washout regions, implying increased protein translation and consequent increased cellular activity. Together, these findings point to the potential importance of posttranscriptional regulation in angiogenesis and the need for the development of angiogenesis-specific contrast agents to evaluate in vivo angiogenesis at a molecular level.

Is there any correlation between model-based perfusion parameters and model-free parameters of time-signal intensity curve on dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in breast cancer patients?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yi, Boram; Kang, Doo Kyoung; Kim, Tae Hee [Ajou University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do (Korea, Republic of); Yoon, Dukyong [Ajou University School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Jung, Yong Sik; Kim, Ku Sang [Ajou University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Yim, Hyunee [Ajou University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Suwon (Korea, Republic of)

2014-05-15

To find out any correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) model-based parameters and model-free parameters, and evaluate correlations between perfusion parameters with histologic prognostic factors. Model-based parameters (Ktrans, Kep and Ve) of 102 invasive ductal carcinomas were obtained using DCE-MRI and post-processing software. Correlations between model-based and model-free parameters and between perfusion parameters and histologic prognostic factors were analysed. Mean Kep was significantly higher in cancers showing initial rapid enhancement (P = 0.002) and a delayed washout pattern (P = 0.001). Ve was significantly lower in cancers showing a delayed washout pattern (P = 0.015). Kep significantly correlated with time to peak enhancement (TTP) (ρ = -0.33, P < 0.001) and washout slope (ρ = 0.39, P = 0.002). Ve was significantly correlated with TTP (ρ = 0.33, P = 0.002). Mean Kep was higher in tumours with high nuclear grade (P = 0.017). Mean Ve was lower in tumours with high histologic grade (P = 0.005) and in tumours with negative oestrogen receptor status (P = 0.047). TTP was shorter in tumours with negative oestrogen receptor status (P = 0.037). We could acquire general information about the tumour vascular physiology, interstitial space volume and pathologic prognostic factors by analyzing time-signal intensity curve without a complicated acquisition process for the model-based parameters. (orig.)

The results of questionnaire on quantitative assessment of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy in heart failure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishimura, Tsunehiko; Sugishita, Yasurou; Sasaki, Yasuhito.

1997-01-01

This study was done by working group under the cooperation between Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine and Japanese Circulation Society. We evaluated the usefulness of quantitative assessment of 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy in heart failure by the results of questionnaire. Forty-nine (72.1%) of 68 selected institutions participated in this study. The incidence of MIBG myocardial scintigraphy used in heart failure was 41.1%. The imaging protocol was mostly done by both planar and SPECT at 15 min and 3.6 hr after intravenous injection of 111 MBq of MIBG. The quantitative assessment was mostly done by heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio and washout rate analysis based on planar imaging. The mean normal value of H/M ratio were 2.34±0.36, and 2.49±0.40, at early and delayed images, respectively. The normal value of washout rate was 27.74±5.34%. On the other hand, those of H/M ratio in heart failure were 1.87±0.27, and 1.75±0.24, at early and delayed images, respectively. That of washout rate was 42.30±6.75%. These parameters were very useful for the evaluation of heart failure. In conclusion, MIBG myocardial scintigraphy was widely used for not only early detection and severity assessment, but also indication for therapy and prognosis evaluation in heart failure patients. (author)

The results of questionnaire on quantitative assessment of {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy in heart failure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nishimura, Tsunehiko [Osaka Univ., Suita (Japan). Medical school; Sugishita, Yasurou; Sasaki, Yasuhito

1997-12-01

This study was done by working group under the cooperation between Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine and Japanese Circulation Society. We evaluated the usefulness of quantitative assessment of {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy in heart failure by the results of questionnaire. Forty-nine (72.1%) of 68 selected institutions participated in this study. The incidence of MIBG myocardial scintigraphy used in heart failure was 41.1%. The imaging protocol was mostly done by both planar and SPECT at 15 min and 3.6 hr after intravenous injection of 111 MBq of MIBG. The quantitative assessment was mostly done by heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio and washout rate analysis based on planar imaging. The mean normal value of H/M ratio were 2.34{+-}0.36, and 2.49{+-}0.40, at early and delayed images, respectively. The normal value of washout rate was 27.74{+-}5.34%. On the other hand, those of H/M ratio in heart failure were 1.87{+-}0.27, and 1.75{+-}0.24, at early and delayed images, respectively. That of washout rate was 42.30{+-}6.75%. These parameters were very useful for the evaluation of heart failure. In conclusion, MIBG myocardial scintigraphy was widely used for not only early detection and severity assessment, but also indication for therapy and prognosis evaluation in heart failure patients. (author)

Cardiac Sympathetic Hyperactivity after Chemotherapy: Early Sign of Cardiotoxicity?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guimarães, Sarita Lígia Pessoa de Melo Machado [Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (PGCS-UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil); Hospital Agamenon Magalhães (HAM), Recife, PE (Brazil); Brandão, Simone Cristina Soares, E-mail: simonecordis@yahoo.com.br [Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (PGCS-UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil); Andrade, Luciana Raposo [Hospital Santa Joana, Recife, PE (Brazil); Maia, Rafael José Coelho [Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (PGCS-UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil); Hospital Agamenon Magalhães (HAM), Recife, PE (Brazil); Markman Filho, Brivaldo [Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (PGCS-UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil)

2015-09-15

Chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab can cause cardiotoxicity. Alteration of cardiac adrenergic function assessed by metaiodobenzylguanidine labeled with iodine-123 ({sup 123}I-mIBG) seems to precede the drop in left ventricular ejection fraction. To evaluate and to compare the presence of cardiovascular abnormalities among patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy with anthracyclines and trastuzumab, and only with anthracycline. Patients with breast cancer were analyzed clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic and cardiac sympathetic activity. In scintigraphic images, the ratio of {sup 123}I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum, and the washout rate were calculated. The variables were compared between patients who received anthracyclines and trastuzumab (Group 1) and only anthracyclines (Group 2). Twenty patients, with mean age 57 ± 14 years, were studied. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiography was 67.8 ± 4.0%. Mean washout rate was 28.39 ± 9.23% and the ratio of {sup 123}I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum was 2.07 ± 0.28. Of the patients, 82% showed an increased in washout rate, and the ratio of {sup 123}I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum decreased in 25%. Concerning the groups, the mean washout rate of Group 1 was 32.68 ± 9.30% and of Group 2 was 24.56 ± 7.72% (p = 0,06). The ratio of {sup 123}I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum was normal in all patients in Group 2, however, the Group 1, showed 50% the ratio of {sup 123}I-mIBG uptake between the heart and mediastinum ≤ 1.8 (p = 0.02). In women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, assessment of cardiac sympathetic activity with {sup 123}I-mIBG appears to be an early marker of cardiotoxicity. The combination of chemotherapy showed higher risk of cardiac adrenergic hyperactivity.

Improving malignancy prediction in breast lesions with the combination of apparent diffusion coefficient and dynamic contrast-enhanced kinetic descriptors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nogueira, Luisa; Brandão, Sofia; Matos, Eduarda; Gouveia Nunes, Rita; Ferreira, Hugo Alexandre; Loureiro, Joana; Ramos, Isabel

2015-01-01

Aim: To assess how the joint use of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and kinetic parameters (uptake phase and delayed enhancement characteristics) from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) can boost the ability to predict breast lesion malignancy. Materials and methods: Breast magnetic resonance examinations including DCE and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were performed on 51 women. The association between kinetic parameters and ADC were evaluated and compared between lesion types. Models with binary outcome of malignancy were studied using generalized estimating equations (GEE), (GEE), and using kinetic parameters and ADC values as malignancy predictors. Model accuracy was assessed using the corrected maximum quasi-likelihood under the independence confidence criterion (QICC). Predicted probability of malignancy was estimated for the best model. Results: ADC values were significantly associated with kinetic parameters: medium and rapid uptake phase (p<0.001) and plateau and washout curve types (p=0.004). Comparison between lesion type showed significant differences for ADC (p=0.001), early phase (p<0.001), and curve type (p<0.001). The predicted probabilities of malignancy for the first ADC quartile (≤1.17×10 −3  mm 2 /s) and persistent, plateau and washout curves, were 54.6%, 86.9%, and 97.8%, respectively, and for the third ADC quartile (≥1.51×10 −3  mm 2 /s) were 3.2%, 15.5%, and 54.8%, respectively. The predicted probability of malignancy was less than 5% for 18.8% of the lesions and greater than 33% for 50.7% of the lesions (24/35 lesions, corresponding to a malignancy rate of 68.6%). Conclusion: The best malignancy predictors were low ADCs and washout curves. ADC and kinetic parameters provide differentiated information on the microenvironment of the lesion, with joint models displaying improved predictive performance. -- Highlights: •ADC and kinetic parameters provide diverse information regarding lesion environment. •The best predictors

{sup 123}I-Labelled metaiodobenzylguanidine for the evaluation of cardiac sympathetic denervation in early stage amyloidosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Noordzij, Walter; Glaudemans, Andor W.J.M.; Rheenen, Ronald W.J. van; Dierckx, Rudi A.J.O.; Slart, Riemer H.J.A. [University of Groningen, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, Groningen (Netherlands); Hazenberg, Bouke P.C. [University of Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen (Netherlands); Tio, Rene A. [University of Groningen, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen (Netherlands)

2012-10-15

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare disorder, but it may lead to potentially life-threatening restrictive cardiomyopathy. Cardiac manifestations frequently occur in primary amyloidosis (AL) and familial amyloidosis (ATTR), but are uncommon in secondary amyloidosis (AA). Echocardiography is the method of choice for assessing cardiac amyloidosis. Amyloid deposits impair the function of sympathetic nerve endings. Disturbance of myocardial sympathetic innervations may play an important role in the remodelling process. {sup 123}I-MIBG can detect these innervation changes. Patients with biopsy-proven amyloidosis underwent general work-up, echocardiography and {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy. Left ventricular internal dimensions and wall thickness were measured, and highly refractile cardiac echoes (sparkling) were analysed. Early (15 min) and late (4 h) heart-to-mediastinum ratio (HMR) and wash-out rate were determined after administration of MIBG. Included in the study were 61 patients (30 women and 31 men; mean age 62 years; 39 AL, 11 AA, 11 ATTR). Echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between the groups. Sparkling was present in 72 % of ATTR patients, in 54 % of AL patients and in 45 % of AA patients. Mean late HMR in all patients was 2.3 {+-} 0.75, and the mean wash-out rate was 8.6 {+-} 14 % (the latter not significantly different between the patient groups). Late HMR was significantly lower in patients with echocardiographic signs of amyloidosis than in patients without (2.0 {+-} 0.70 versus 2.8 {+-} 0.58, p < 0.001). Wash-out rates were significantly higher in these patients (-3.3 {+-} 9.9 % vs. 17 {+-} 10 %, p < 0.001). In ATTR patients without echocardiographic signs of amyloidosis, HMR was lower than in patients with the other types (2.0 {+-} 0.59 vs. 2.9 {+-} 0.50, p = 0.007). MIBG HMR is lower and wash-out rate is higher in patients with echocardiographic signs of amyloidosis. Also, {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy can detect cardiac denervation in

Clinical experience of 2-hour I-131 thyroid uptake significance in considering the radioiodine Graves' disease treatment dose: A retrospective study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Shammeri, I.; Al-Deen Mahmood, S.; Al-Mohannadi, S.; Ballani, N.

2015-01-01

Purpose: It has been noticed that Graves' disease patients with high turnover are likely to experience under dosage when calculating the radioiodine therapeutic dose. We aim to demonstrate our clinical experience of 2-h I-131 uptake% value in estimating the radioiodine dose for Graves' disease patients with rapid washout. Material and methods: We reviewed the medical records for 2080 Graves' disease patients who received radioiodine treatment(s). Patients were distinguished by 2-h I-131 thyroid uptake%: 249 patients (group I) exhibited a rapid washout (>25%), and 250 patients (group II control group) demonstrated normal uptake (6–15%); the age and sex were balanced for both groups. These cases were reviewed for the time taken to control the condition clinically (ideally 3 months is the time needed), the time taken to achieve hypothyroidism (average time is 6 months), and the number of repeated treatments for recurrent thyrotoxicosis or failure of treatment. Results: In 152/249 (61%) patients, the condition was not controlled in the 3 month period post treatment and subsequently they needed more frequent and closer follow up, as opposed to 47/250 patients (19%) in the control group-II. At 6 months, 119/249 (48%) patients in group-I had not achieved hypothyroidism, as opposed to 28/250 patients (11%) in group-II. Seventy-seven patients in group-I (31%) needed a second or third therapeutic dose, as opposed to 10/250 patients (4%) in group-II. Conclusion: We believe that a higher radioiodine dose with significant rapid washout in the thyroid gland of Graves' disease patients would give a greater treatment success rate. - Highlights: • We present our clinical experience of 2-h I-131 uptake% value in Graves' disease. • We reviewed records of hyperthyroid patients who received radioiodine treatment. • Two patients' groups were distinguished by normal and high 2-h I-131 uptake%. • The two groups showed different radioiodine treatment

Pulmonary function evaluations of dogs exposed to uranium ore dust

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Loscutoff, S.M.; Buschbom, R.L.; Palmer, R.F.; Cross, F.T.

1980-01-01

Pulmonary function evaluations were conducted on dogs exposed to carnotite uranium ore dust. Significant changes were detected in the slope of the single-breath N 2 washout curve, suggesting an uneven distribution of ventilation

Leiomyoma: a rare cause of adrenal incidentaloma

African Journals Online (AJOL)

2012-09-19

Sep 19, 2012 ... tomography (CT) imaging, malignancy is suggested by a diameter ... Hounsfield units (HUs) (> 10) and limited washout of contrast after .... Hounsfield units. Air ... in a child with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Pediatr ...

Relationship between the 99mTc-MIBI and expression of P-glycoprotein in lung cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meng Zili; Shen Zhenya

2002-01-01

Objective: To correlate the imaging of 99m Tc-MIBI with the expression of P-glycoprotein (PGP) in lung cancer. Methods: All patients, undergoing early (30 min) and delayed (3h) 99m Tc-MIBI imaging before initiation of chemo-or radiotherapy, were diagnosed pathologically. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using a monoclonal antibody, P-170, developed against the internal epitope of PGP. Normal tissue and tumor washout rate and tumor-to-background ratio were correlated with the level of PGP expression. Results: There was an inverse correlation between tumor-to-background ratio and the density of PGP (P 0.1). Conclusion: The reduced ability for the tumors to accumulate MIBI correlates well with the increased levels of PGP expression, tumor washout rate of MIBI does not correlate with the density of PGP in tumor tissues

Observations of the dynamics of ionic potassium-38 in brain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duncan, C.C.; Lambrecht, R.M.; Bennett, G.W.; Rescigno, A.; Ment, L.R.

1984-01-01

Short time course potassium dynamics in brain were investigated in the cat. 38 K (T1/2 . 7.6m) was prepared on the BNL 60'' cyclotron by the 40 Ar(p, 3n) 38 K reaction. Positron decay in brain was measured by the limited angle of view positron camera (LAPC). Radioactivity corrected for physical decay following intravenous bolus injection of 38 K showed an initial peak followed by a washout phase with a subsequent monotonic increase. The slope of the washout phase was linearly related to PaCO2 and the subsequent monotonic increase paralleled the arterial concentration of the tracer. No significant changes in 38 K radioactivity were determined following coma producing levels of phenobarbital or seizure producing doses of potassium penicillin as compared to control

Determination of the Lung Clearance Index (LCI) in a Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Cohort

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Mulligan, M

2017-10-01

The pathogenesis of CF lung disease may start in infancy. Therefore, it is important to monitor the early stages of its progress. The Exhalyzer D is the first commercially available device designed to measure lung ventilation inhomogeneity at any age. This study was conducted to assess the performance and feasibility of using the Exhalyzer D in a paediatric CF clinic. A total of 91 subjects were recruited (23 controls, and 68 patients with CF). The majority of CF patients (79%) and controls (78%) completed at least two successful washouts. A strong linear correlation was noted between LCI and FEV1. Children with CF under six years of age struggled to perform the washout in a technically correct manner. A clear learning effect was observed, with improved technique and shorter testing times on repeated visits.

Endoscopic Evaluation of Upper and Lower Gastro‑Intestinal Bleeding

African Journals Online (AJOL)

measures before an endoscopic intervention are essential to decrease the morbidity and .... or tabs bisacodyl and castor oil or colostomy washout with 2 days dietary restriction .... sparing patients the trauma of open surgery. Hemorrhoids were.

Acute Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Using Novel Canine Models.

Science.gov (United States)

Bozynski, Chantelle C; Stannard, James P; Smith, Pat; Hanypsiak, Bryan T; Kuroki, Keiichi; Stoker, Aaron; Cook, Cristi; Cook, James L

2016-10-01

The objective of this study was to compare treatment options for acute management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries using preclinical models. Twenty-seven adult purpose-bred research hounds underwent knee surgery (sham control, exposed ACL, or partial-tear ACL) and were assessed over the following 8 weeks. Dogs were randomized into three treatment groups: standard of care (i.e., rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]), washout, or leukoreduced platelet-rich plasma (PRP) so that a total of nine dogs received each treatment. Data from the two ACL-injury groups were pooled for each treatment ( n  = 6 per treatment group) and analyzed for treatment effects. The washout and PRP groups experienced less lameness, pain, and effusion, and greater function and comfortable range of motion compared with the NSAID group, with the PRP group showing most benefits. PRP was associated with the lowest severity of ACL pathology based on arthroscopic assessment. Measurable levels of inflammatory and degradative biomarkers were present in synovial fluid with significant differences noted over time. Based on these findings, washout had positive clinical effects compared with the standard-of-care group especially within the first week of treatment, but became less beneficial over time. A single injection of leukoreduced PRP was associated with favorable clinical results. However, no treatment was significantly "protective" against progression toward osteoarthritis after ACL injury. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Serum proteomic changes after randomized prolonged erythropoietin treatment and/or endurance training: detection of novel biomarkers.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Britt Christensen

Full Text Available Despite implementation of the biological passport to detect erythropoietin abuse, a need for additional biomarkers remains. We used a proteomic approach to identify novel serum biomarkers of prolonged erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA exposure (Darbepoietin-α and/or aerobic training.Thirty-six healthy young males were randomly assigned to the following groups: Sedentary-placebo (n = 9, Sedentary-ESA (n = 9, Training-placebo (n = 10, or Training-ESA (n = 8. They were treated with placebo/Darbepoietin-α subcutaneously once/week for 10 weeks followed by a 3-week washout period. Training consisted of supervised biking 3/week for 13 weeks at the highest possible intensity. Serum was collected at baseline, week 3 (high dose Darbepoietin-α, week 10 (reduced dose Darbepoietin-α, and after a 3-week washout period.Serum proteins were separated according to charge and molecular mass (2D-gel electrophoresis. The identity of proteins from spots exhibiting altered intensity was determined by mass spectrometry.Six protein spots changed in response to Darbepoietin-α treatment. Comparing all 4 experimental groups, two protein spots (serotransferrin and haptoglobin/haptoglobin related protein showed a significant response to Darbepoietin-α treatment. The haptoglobin/haptoglobin related protein spot showed a significantly lower intensity in all subjects in the training-ESA group during the treatment period and increased during the washout period.An isoform of haptoglobin/haptoglobin related protein could be a new anti-doping marker and merits further research.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01320449.

Development of a new 3D azimuthal LWD caliper measurement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doghmi, M.; Ellis, D. V.

2003-01-01

The need for a caliper measurement from logging-while-drilling (LWD) has prompted developments in several measurement domains. Hole size measurements are mainly derived from ultrasonic and electrical devices. However, both techniques have significant limitations. This paper discusses the development of a new azimutual density- 1 derived caliper measurement. An algorithm and process were developed to use the 16 sector densities measured by LWD tool for computations of 16 boreholes radii to provide a good representation of the borehole. As with all physical measurements, some limitations exist for accurate measurement in large washouts an in heavy mud systems. However, the measurements are independent of borehole fluid resistivity and can be acquired In oil-, synthetic-, and water-based mud systems. Comparisons wire line multifinger caliper logs confirm the measurement is valid in holes with large washouts. Three-dimensional visualization software allows analysis of borehole shape to be carried out on any personal computer. Timely feedback of this information enables changes in drilling and/or mud parameters to improve borehole shape and drilling efficiency. This responsiveness should lead to better well positioning and better petrophysical data. Recent applications have demonstrated the benefits of a true three- dimensional (3D) azimuthal caliper measurement. These benefits include borehole shapes analysis for stress orientation; detection of problems such as washouts, ovalization, and spiraling; improvement of cement job design and completion strategies; and optimization of drilling parameters. These applications will be discussed and illustrated in this paper

Baseline Tumor Lipiodol Uptake after Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Identification of a Threshold Value Predicting Tumor Recurrence.

Science.gov (United States)

Matsui, Yusuke; Horikawa, Masahiro; Jahangiri Noudeh, Younes; Kaufman, John A; Kolbeck, Kenneth J; Farsad, Khashayar

2017-12-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between baseline Lipiodol uptake in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with early tumor recurrence, and to identify a threshold baseline uptake value predicting tumor response. A single-institution retrospective database of HCC treated with Lipiodol-TACE was reviewed. Forty-six tumors in 30 patients treated with a Lipiodol-chemotherapy emulsion and no additional particle embolization were included. Baseline Lipiodol uptake was measured as the mean Hounsfield units (HU) on a CT within one week after TACE. Washout rate was calculated dividing the difference in HU between the baseline CT and follow-up CT by time (HU/month). Cox proportional hazard models were used to correlate baseline Lipiodol uptake and other variables with tumor response. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the optimal threshold for baseline Lipiodol uptake predicting tumor response. During the follow-up period (mean 5.6 months), 19 (41.3%) tumors recurred (mean time to recurrence = 3.6 months). In a multivariate model, low baseline Lipiodol uptake and higher washout rate were significant predictors of early tumor recurrence ( P = 0.001 and Baseline Lipiodol uptake and washout rate on follow-up were independent predictors of early tumor recurrence. A threshold value of baseline Lipiodol uptake > 270.2 HU was highly sensitive and specific for tumor response. These findings may prove useful for determining subsequent treatment strategies after Lipiodol TACE.

Myocardial adrenergic nerve activity in valvular diseases assessed by iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Imamura, Yoshihiro; Fukuyama, Takaya

1997-01-01

Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging was used to assess myocardial adrenergic nerve activity in patients with heart failure. MIBG planar images were obtained in 94 patients. The uptake of MIBG, calculated as the heart-to-mediastinum activity ratio in the immediate image (15 min), showed a significant decrease only in patients with severe heart failure due to cardiomyopathy, but was not changed in those with valvular diseases. Storage and release of MIBG, calculated as the percentage myocardial MIBG washout from 15 min to 4 hours after isotope injection, was substantially accelerated in both patients with cardiomyopathy and valvular diseases in proportion to the severity of heart failure. These data suggest that, in severe heart failure associated with cardiomyopathy, norepinephrine uptake is reduced. Also, myocardial adrenergic nerve activity is accelerated in proportion to the severity of heart failure independent of the underlying cause. MIBG images were analyzed in 20 patients with mitral stenosis with the same methods to clarify whether myocardial adrenergic nerve activity is different in patients with heart failure without left ventricular volume or pressure overload. Myocardial uptake of MIBG did not show any significant difference. The percentage myocardial MIBG washout was increased in patients with severe heart failure. The closest correlation was between myocardial washout and cardiac output. In heart failure due to mitral stenosis, myocardial adrenergic nerve activity is intensified. Decrease in cardiac output associated with mitral stenosis acts as a potent stimulus for this intensification. (author)

Dynamic 123I-BMIPP single-photon emission computed tomography in patients with congestive heart failure: effect of angiotensin II type-1 receptor blockade.

Science.gov (United States)

Takeishi, Yasuchika; Minamihaba, Osamu; Yamauchi, Sou; Arimoto, Takanori; Hirono, Osamu; Takahashi, Hiroki; Akiyama, Hideyuki; Miyamoto, Takuya; Nitobe, Joji; Nozaki, Naoki; Tachibana, Hidetada; Okuyama, Masaki; Fukui, Akio; Kubota, Isao; Okada, Akio; Takahashi, Kazuei

2004-04-01

Heart failure is a major and growing public health problem with a high mortality rate. Although recent studies have demonstrated that a variety of metabolic and/or neurohumoral factors are involved in the progression of this syndrome, the precise mechanisms responsible for this complex condition are poorly understood. To examine 123I-beta-methyl-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) kinetics in the early phase soon after tracer injection in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), we performed dynamic single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Twenty-six patients with CHF and eight control subjects were examined. The consecutive 15 images of 2-min dynamic SPECT were acquired for 30 min after injection. In the early phase after injection (0-4 min), a significant amount of radioactivity existed in the blood pool. After 6 min, the myocardial 123I-BMIPP image was clear and thus the washout rate of 123I-BMIPP from 6 to 30 min was calculated. The washout rate of 123I-BMIPP from the myocardium was faster in patients with CHF than in the controls (8 +/- 4 vs. -5 +/- 3%, p acid metabolism may represent a new mechanism for beneficial effects of angiotensin II receptor blockade on cardiac function and survival in patients with heart failure. 123I-BMIPP washout in the early phase obtained from dynamic SPECT may be a new marker for evaluating the severity of heart failure and the effects of medical treatment.

Monitoring urinary mercapturic acids as biomarkers of human dietary exposure to acrylamide in combination with acrylamide uptake assessment based on duplicate diets.

Science.gov (United States)

Ruenz, Meike; Bakuradze, Tamara; Eisenbrand, Gerhard; Richling, Elke

2016-04-01

The present human intervention study investigated the relation between the intake of acrylamide (AA) in diets with minimized, low, and high AA contents and the levels of urinary exposure biomarkers. As biomarkers, the mercapturic acids, N-acetyl-S-(carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA), and N-acetyl-S-(1-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA) were monitored. The study was performed with 14 healthy male volunteers over a period of 9 days, under controlled conditions excluding any inadvertent AA exposure. Dietary exposure to AA was measured by determining AA contents in duplicates of all meals consumed by the volunteers. The study design included an initial washout period of 3 days on AA-minimized diet, resulting in dietary AA exposure not exceeding 41 ng/kg bw/d. Identical washout periods of 2 days each followed the AA exposure days (day 4, low exposure, and day 7, high exposure). At the respective AA intake days, volunteers ingested 0.6-0.8 (low exposure) or 1.3-1.8 (high exposure) μg AA/kg bw/d with their food. Both low and high AA intakes resulted in an AAMA output within 72 h corresponding to 58 % of the respective AA intake. At the end of the initial 3-day washout period, an AAMA baseline level of 93 ± 31 nmol/d was recorded, suggestive for an assumed net AA baseline exposure level of 0.2-0.3 μg AA/kg bw/d.

Age-related macular degeneration: Effects of a short-term intervention with an oleaginous kale extract--a pilot study.

Science.gov (United States)

Arnold, Christin; Jentsch, Susanne; Dawczynski, Jens; Böhm, Volker

2013-01-01

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degenerative disease of the retina, which accounts for slowly progressive visual impairment in the elderly. An increased dietary intake of xanthophylls is suggested to be inversely related to the risk of macular disease. The present study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial examining the influence of a short-term intervention with an oleaginous extract of Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L. (kale) on plasma xanthophyll concentrations and the optical density of the macular pigment xanthophylls (MPOD). Twenty patients with non-exudative AMD were recruited for a 10-wk study period (2-wk run-in, 4-wk intervention, 4-wk washout). All participants received 50 mL of a beverage containing either an oleaginous extract of kale (kale) or refined rapeseed oil (placebo). The verum product provides 10 mg lutein and 3 mg zeaxanthin per day. The concentrations of the xanthophylls in plasma and the MPOD increased significantly in the kale group after 4 wk of intervention. The successive washout period resulted in a significant decline of the values in plasma and macula. The values at the end of the study were still significantly higher than the initial values. Nevertheless, the improvements did not persist over 4 wk of washout. The distribution of the xanthophylls in the macula seems to be more dynamic than originally assumed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Contribution to scintigraphic study of pulmonary ventilation using 133Xe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chareyron, R.P.

1975-01-01

A technique of regional lung function study, using 133 Xe, is described (instrumentation, procedure, results). A gamma-camera is used for this investigation, its main advantages are as follows. The picture is smaller than the one produced by a scanner, but is obtained more quickly. The gamma-camera equipped with a data processing unit is able to visualize areas of interest and to provide quantitative informations. Two parameters are studied. The first one is Xenon washout speed expressed in (ml/mn/cm 3 ) which gives an exact value of pulmonary ventilation. The latter is retention. This parameter is of interest because retention is more easy to evaluate than washout speed, and is able to quantify what is suggested by scintigraphic pictures. The technique has proven to be valuable in differentiating chronic bronchitis from post-bronchitic emphysema [fr

Study of total column atmospheric aerosol optical depth, ozone and ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

R. Narasimhan (Krishtel eMaging) 1461 1996 Oct 15 13:05:22

general circulation models. ... at all wavelengths from initial to later part of observation period due to cloud-scavenging and rain-washout effects as well as signature of coastal aerosol loading. ... important roles in the study of the Earth's climate.

Preparation of the Drager Fabius CE and Drager Zeus anaesthetic machines for patients susceptible to malignant hyperthermia.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Shanahan, Hiliary

2012-05-01

Malignant hyperthermia may follow exposure to trace quantities of inhalational anaesthetics. In susceptible patients, the complete avoidance of these triggers is advised when possible; however, failing this, it is essential to washout or purge the anaesthesia machine of residual inhalational anaesthetics.

Characterization of metal powder based rapid prototyping components under aluminium high pressure die casting process conditions

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Pereira, MFVT

2009-11-01

Full Text Available periodic inspections, monitoring crack formation and evidence of surface washout. At the end of the thermal tests, mechanical strength and hardness tests were performed to assess toughness and core resistance variations in relation to the initial conditions...

Combinação de anlodipino e enalaprila em pacientes hipertensos com doença coronariana Combinación de amlodipino y enalapril en pacientes hipertensos con enfermedad coronaria Combination of amlodipine and enalapril in hypertensive patients with coronary disease

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcos Rienzo

2009-03-01

Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes (pts com doença coronariana (DAC estável podem se beneficiar de menor pressão arterial (PA, conforme estudos recentes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e a tolerabilidade da combinação fixa anlodipino + enalaprila, comparada a anlodipino na normalização da PA diastólica (PAD ( 90 e 110 mmHg durante o wash-out de quatro semanas, em uso só de atenolol. Após wash-out randomizamos para combinação (A ou anlodipino (B e seguimos de quatro em quatro semanas até 98 dias. As doses (mg iniciais foram, respectivamente: A- 2,5/10 e B- 2,5, sendo incrementadas se PAD> 85mmHg, nas visitas. Estatística com χ2, Fischer e análise de variância, para pFUNDAMENTO: Pacientes (pts con enfermedad coronaria (EAC estable pueden beneficiarse con una menor presión arterial (PA, de acuerdo con estudios recientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y la tolerancia de la combinación fija amlodipino + enalapril, comparada a el amlodipino en la normalización de la PA diastólica (PAD (90 y 110 mmHg durante el wash-out de cuatro semanas, en uso sólo de atenolol. Después del wash-out randomizamos para combinación (A o amlopidino (B y seguimos de cuatro en cuatro semanas hasta 98 días. Las dosis (mg iniciales fueron, respectivamente: A- 2,5/10 y B- 2,5, siendo incrementadas si PAD> 85mmHg, en las visitas. Estadística con χ2, Fischer y análisis de varianza, para pBACKGROUND: Patients (pts with stable coronary artery disease (CAD can benefit from a decrease in the blood pressure (BP, according to recent studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination: amlodipine + enalapril, when compared to amlodipine in the normalization of the diastolic arterial pressure (DAP (90 and 110 mmHg during the four-week wash-out with atenolol treatment alone, were excluded. After the wash-out, pts were randomly distributed for the use of the combination (A or amlodipine (B and were followed every four weeks up to 98 days

Effects of the Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen process on global black carbon distribution

Science.gov (United States)

Qi, Ling; Li, Qinbin; He, Cenlin; Wang, Xin; Huang, Jianping

2017-06-01

We systematically investigate the effects of Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen process (hereafter WBF) on black carbon (BC) scavenging efficiency, surface BCair, deposition flux, concentration in snow (BCsnow, ng g-1), and washout ratio using a global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem). We differentiate riming- versus WBF-dominated in-cloud scavenging based on liquid water content (LWC) and temperature. Specifically, we implement an implied WBF parameterization using either temperature or ice mass fraction (IMF) in mixed-phase clouds based on field measurements. We find that at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, and Abisko, Sweden, where WBF dominates in-cloud scavenging, including the WBF effect strongly reduces the discrepancies of simulated BC scavenging efficiency and washout ratio against observations (from a factor of 3 to 10 % and from a factor of 4-5 to a factor of 2). However, at Zeppelin, Norway, where riming dominates, simulation of BC scavenging efficiency, BCair, and washout ratio become worse (relative to observations) when WBF is included. There is thus an urgent need for extensive observations to distinguish and characterize riming- versus WBF-dominated aerosol scavenging in mixed-phase clouds and the associated BC scavenging efficiency. Our model results show that including the WBF effect lowers global BC scavenging efficiency, with a higher reduction at higher latitudes (8 % in the tropics and up to 76 % in the Arctic). The resulting annual mean BCair increases by up to 156 % at high altitudes and at northern high latitudes because of lower temperature and higher IMF. Overall, WBF halves the model-observation discrepancy (from -65 to -30 %) of BCair across North America, Europe, China and the Arctic. Globally WBF increases BC burden from 0.22 to 0.29-0.35 mg m-2 yr-1, which partially explains the gap between observed and previous model-simulated BC burdens over land. In addition, WBF significantly increases BC lifetime from 5.7 to ˜ 8 days. Additionally

Transrectal rigid-hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy can be performed without peritoneal contamination: a controlled porcine survival study.

Science.gov (United States)

Müller, Philip C; Senft, Jonas D; Gath, Philip; Steinemann, Daniel C; Nickel, Felix; Billeter, Adrian T; Müller-Stich, Beat P; Linke, Georg R

2018-01-01

The risk of infectious complications due to peritoneal contamination is a major concern and inhibits the widespread use of transrectal NOTES. A standardized rectal washout with a reversible colon occlusion device in situ has previously shown potential in reducing peritoneal contamination. The aim of this study was to compare the peritoneal contamination rate and inflammatory reaction for transrectal cholecystectomy after ideal rectal preparation (trCCE) and standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lapCCE) in a porcine survival experiment. Twenty pigs were randomized to trCCE (n = 10) or lapCCE (n = 10). Before trCCE, rectal washout was performed with saline solution. A colon occlusion device was then inserted and a second washout with povidone-iodine was performed. The perioperative course and the inflammatory reaction (leukocytes, C-reactive protein) were compared. At necropsy, 14 days after surgery the abdominal cavity was screened for infectious complications and peritoneal swabs were obtained for comparison of peritoneal contamination. Peritoneal contamination was lower after trCCE than after lapCCE (0/10 vs. 6/10; p = 0.003). No infectious complications were found at necropsy in either group and postoperative complications did not differ (p = 1.0). Immediately after the procedure, leukocytes were higher after lapCCE (17.0 ± 2.7 vs. 14.6 ± 2.3; p = 0.047). Leukocytes and C-reactive protein showed no difference in the further postoperative course. Intraoperative complications and total operation time (trCCE 114 ± 32 vs. 111 ± 27 min; p = 0.921) did not differ, but wound closure took longer for trCCE (31.5 ± 19 vs. 13 ± 5 min; p = 0.002). After standardized rectal washout with a colon occlusion device in situ, trCCE was associated without peritoneal contamination and without access-related infectious complications. Based on the findings of this study, a randomized controlled clinical study comparing clinical outcomes of trCCE with

Improved design and durability of aluminum die casting horizontal shot sleeves

Science.gov (United States)

Birceanu, Sebastian

The design and performance of shot sleeves is critical in meeting the engineering requirements of aluminum die cast parts. Improvement in shot sleeve materials have a major impact on dimensional stability, reproducibility and quality of the product. This investigation was undertaken in order to improve the life of aluminum die casting horizontal shot sleeves. Preliminary pin tests were run to evaluate the soldering, wash-out and thermal fatigue behavior of commercially available materials and coatings. An experimental rig was designed and constructed for shot sleeve configuration evaluation. Fabrication and testing of experimental shot sleeves was based upon preliminary results and manufacturing costs. Three shot sleeve designs and materials were compared to a reference nitrided H13 sleeve. Nitrided H13 is the preferred material for aluminum die casting shot sleeves because of wear resistance, strength and relative good soldering and wash-out resistance. The study was directed towards damage evaluation on the area under the pouring hole. This area is the most susceptible to damage because of high temperatures and impingement of molten aluminum. The results of this study showed that tungsten and molybdenum had the least amount of soldering and wash-out damage, and the best thermal fatigue resistance. Low solubility in molten aluminum and stability of intermetallic layers are main factors that determine the soldering and wash-out behavior. Thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient directly influence thermal fatigue behavior. TiAlN nanolayered coating was chosen as the material with the best damage resistance among several commercial PVD coatings, because of relatively large thickness and simple deposition conditions. The results show that molybdenum thermal sprayed coating provided the best protection against damage under the pouring hole. Improved bonding is however required for life extension of the coating. TiAlN PVD coating applied on H13 nitrided

A high-flow nasal cannula system with relatively low flow effectively washes out CO2 from the anatomical dead space in a sophisticated respiratory model made by a 3D printer.

Science.gov (United States)

Onodera, Yu; Akimoto, Ryo; Suzuki, Hiroto; Okada, Masayuki; Nakane, Masaki; Kawamae, Kaneyuki

2018-03-15

Although clinical studies of the high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and its effect on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) have been done, the washout effect has not been well evaluated. Therefore, we made an experimental respiratory model to evaluate the respiratory physiological effect of HFNC. An airway model was made by a 3D printer using the craniocervical 3D-CT data of a healthy 32-year-old male. CO 2 was infused into four respiratory lung models (normal-lung, open- and closed-mouth models; restrictive- and obstructive-lung, open-mouth models) to maintain the partial pressure of end-tidal CO 2 (P ET CO 2 ) at 40 mmHg. HFNC flow was changed from 10 to 60 L/min. Capnograms were recorded at the upper pharynx, oral cavity, subglottic, and inlet sites of each lung model. With the normal-lung, open-mouth model, 10 L/min of HFNC flow decreased the subglottic P ET CO 2 to 30 mmHg. Increasing the HFNC flow did not further decrease the subglottic P ET CO 2 . With the normal-lung, closed-mouth model, HFNC flow of 40 L/min was required to decrease the P ET CO 2 at all sites. Subglottic P ET CO 2 reached 30 mmHg with an HFNC flow of 60 L/min. In the obstructive-lung, open-mouth model, P ET CO 2 at all sites had the same trend as in the normal-lung, open-mouth model. In the restrictive-lung, open-mouth model, 20 L/min of HFNC flow decreased the subglottic P ET CO 2 to 25 mmHg, and it did not decrease further. As HFNC flow was increased, PEEP up to 7 cmH 2 O was gradually generated in the open-mouth models and up to 17 cmH 2 O in the normal-lung, closed-mouth model. The washout effect of the HFNC was effective with relatively low flow in the open-mouth models. The closed-mouth model needed more flow to generate a washout effect. Therefore, HFNC flow should be considered based on the need for the washout effect or PEEP.

SAJS SAJS

African Journals Online (AJOL)

the cost of such devices.1,3 We successfully utilised a lavage drain extension that fits onto the ... Closed drainage systems have been used in a variety of surgical ... Historical experience. (of the senior .... while still on the table. The washout is ...

Nocturnal variations in subcutaneous blood flow rate in lower leg of normal human subjects

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sindrup, J H; Kastrup, J; Jørgensen, B

1991-01-01

in central and local postural sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity. During sleep, characteristic variations in subcutaneous blood flow were disclosed. The 133Xe washout curve could be divided into three segments with significantly different slopes. Approximately 90 min after the subject went to sleep...

Drill string corrosion problems at Pilar field; Corrosao na coluna de perfuracao no Campo de Pilar

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guimaraes, Antimio Santos [PETROBRAS, XX (Brazil). Distrito de Perfuracao do Nordeste. Setor de Fluidos de Perfuracao

1988-12-31

Drilling column failures and washout problems are described as experienced in the Sergipe-Alagoas Basin`s Pilar field. Statistical data presented indicate the extent of this problem. A discussion is offered on causes detected and solutions adopted. (author) 3 refs., 16 figs.

Geochemical modeling of leaching from MSWI air-pollution control residues

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Astrup, T.; Dijkstra, J.J.; Comans, R.N.J.; Sloot, van der H.A.; Christensen, T.H.

2006-01-01

This paper provides an improved understanding of the leaching behavior of waste incineration air-pollution-control (APC) residues in a long-term perspective. Leaching was investigated by a series of batch experiments reflecting leaching conditions after initial washout of highly soluble salts from

Changes in fibroblast growth factor 23 during treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism with alfacalcidol or paricalcitol

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, D.; Rasmussen, K.; Brandi, L.

2012-01-01

of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) with alfacalcidol or paricalcitol in haemodialysis patients. Methods. Intravenous alfacalcidol and paricalcitol were compared in haemodialysis patients with SHPT in a randomized 2 × 16-week cross-over study, with 6 weeks washout period preceding treatment and between...

Pharmacokinetics of inhaled anesthetics in green iguanas (Iguana iguana).

Science.gov (United States)

Brosnan, Robert J; Pypendop, Bruno H; Barter, Linda S; Hawkins, Michelle G

2006-10-01

To test the hypothesis that differences in anesthetic uptake and elimination in iguanas would counter the pharmacokinetic effects of blood:gas solubility and thus serve to minimize kinetic differences among inhaled agents. 6 green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Iguanas were anesthetized with isoflurane, sevoflurane, or desflurane in a Latin-square design. Intervals from initial administration of an anesthetic agent to specific induction events and from cessation of administration of an anesthetic agent to specific recovery events were recorded. End-expired gas concentrations were measured during anesthetic washout. Significant differences were not detected for any induction or recovery events for any inhalation agent in iguanas. Washout curves best fit a 2-compartment model, but slopes for both compartments did not differ significantly among the 3 anesthetics. Differences in blood:gas solubility for isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane did not significantly influence differences in pharmacokinetics for the inhalation agents in iguanas.

Evaluation of a method for determination of the subcutaneous blood flow in the forefoot continuously over 24 h

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jelnes, Rolf; Bülow, J

1984-01-01

A method is presented which allows for continuous registration of forefoot blood flow over 24 h. Blood flow was estimated by the radioactive Xenon washout method and a portable CdTe detector system was used to measure the tracer disappearance rate. Since the semiconductor detector is placed very...... close to the tracer depot the washout rates registered are a mixture of rate constants due to tracer removal by blood flow and diffusion of the tracer depot away from the detector. Rate constants only due to diffusion were obtained over 24 h from amputated feet and similarly from normal feet...... with circulatory arrest in several 20 min periods during 24 h. The rate constants due to blood flow could thus be calculated by subtraction of the appropriate diffusion rate constants from the recorded rate constants. Blood flow in the forefoot during 24 h was measured in 10 experimental subjects with normal...

Reversible ventilation and perfusion abnormalities in unilateral obstructed lung

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ward, H.E.; Jones, R.L.; King, E.G.; Sproule, B.J.; Fortune, R.L.

1982-01-01

An intraluminal carcinoid tumor obstructing the left mainstem bronchus produced hypoxemia through alteration in ventilation/perfusion matching. Studies of regional lung function using 133-xenon (/sup 133/Xe) and a multiprobe computerized instrumentation system documented a reduction of perfusion to 22 percent and ventilation to 6 percent of the total. There was negligible washout of intravenously injected /sup 133/Xe from the left lung consistent with air trapping. Four days after left mainstem bronchial sleeve resection, perfusion, ventilation and washout of injected xenon had significantly improved and by four months postresection, all measurements were virtually normal, although complete restoration of perfusion in relation to ventilation was delayed. Regional lung function studied with a multiprobe system in this patient provided a clinical model for the study of ventilation and perfusion inter-relationships in large airway obstruction and demonstrated that a prolonged time may be required for return of perfusion to normal

Clinical significance of 201Tl reverse redistribution in patients with aorto-coronary bypass surgery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishimura, Tsunehiko; Uehara, Tashiisa; Hayashida, Kohei; Kozuka, Takahira

1987-01-01

Detection of myocardial ischemia by the stress thallium scan has traditionally been performed using transient defect analysis on exercise, followed by redistribution studies. Worsening of the 201 Tl myocardial image from exercise to redistribution is referred to as reverse redistribution. In this study, we found reverse redistribution in 10 (21%) of 48 angina pectoris patients who had undergone aortocoronary bypass surgery. The clinical significance of this phenomenon in these patients was investigated in relation to angiographic and surgical findings. Reverse redistribution was found to occur in regions which were supplied by bypass grafts. These areas showed increased coronary blood flow and rapid thallium washout. Our results indicate that a perfusion defect in the bypass region of the redistribution image might be caused by relatively rapid washout in the bypass graft region compared to the adjacent normal myocardium. These results should be considered in the clinical interpretation of stress thallium scans. (orig.)

A six-month prospective evaluation of personality traits, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in ayahuasca-naïve subjects.

Science.gov (United States)

Barbosa, Paulo Cesar Ribeiro; Cazorla, Irene Maurício; Giglio, Joel Sales; Strassman, Rick

2009-09-01

The authors assessed 23 subjects immediately before and six months (27.5 weeks) after their first ayahuasca experience in an urban Brazilian religious setting, either Santo Daime (N = 15) or União do Vegetal (N = 8). Measures included scores on instruments assessing psychiatric symptoms, personality variables and quality of life. Independent variables were the frequency of ayahuasca use throughout the period and the length of ayahuasca wash-out after six months. Santo Daime subjects had a significant reduction of minor psychiatric symptoms, improvement of mental health, and a change in attitude towards more confidence and optimism. The União do Vegetal group had a significant decrease in physical pain, and attitude change towards more independence. Independence was positively correlated with the frequency of ayahuasca use and negatively correlated with the wash-out period. We discuss possible mechanisms by which these changes may occur and suggest areas for future research.

Clinical value of lung uptake of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), a myocardial sympathetic nerve imaging agent, in patients with chronic heart failure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mu, Xiuli; Hasegawa, Shinji; Yoshioka, Jun [Osaka Univ., Suita (Japan). Graduate School of Medicine] (and others)

2001-10-01

This study investigated the clinical value of I-123 MIBG pulmonary accumulation and washout in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Nineteen patients with CHF and 15 normal volunteers (NL) were included. The uptake ratio of heart to mediastinum (H/M), that of lung fields to mediastinum (L/M), and washout rate (WR) of the heart and lung fields were calculated in anterior planar images and compared with results of echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. In the CHF group, the lung uptake in delayed images increased and lung WR was decreased, suggesting pulmonary endothelial lesions. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between right and left lung WR and pulmonary arterial diastolic pressure (PA(D)) and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PA(S)) in the CHF group. Since the WR of MIBG reflected PA, it may be used as an index of severity of cardiac dysfunction. (author)

Usefulness of {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy for prediction of effect of {beta}-blocker therapy in dilated cardiomyopathy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tawarahara, Kei; Sugiyama, Tsuyoshi; Nakano, Tomoyasu; Matou, Fumitaka [Hamamatsu Red Cross Hospital, Shizuoka (Japan); Kurata, Chinori; Wakabayashi, Yasushi; Shouda, Sakae; Mikami, Tadashi

1998-07-01

To determine whether {sup 123}I-MIBG (MIBG) scintigraphy is useful for predicting the effect of {beta}-blocker therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we studied MIBG scintigraphy in 11 controls and 9 patients with DCM before starting {beta}-blocker therapy. First, initial and delayed heart-to-mediastinum ratios (H/M ratio) of MIBG activity in patients with DCM were significantly lower than those in 11 controls, respectively (initial H/M; 1.8{+-}0.3 vs. 2.1{+-}0.3, p<0.02, delayed H/M; 1.6{+-}0.3 vs. 2.4{+-}0.2, p<0.0001), and MIBG washout rate from the heart was significantly higher in patients than in controls (washout rate; 33{+-}7% vs. 22{+-}4%, p<0.0005). Second, {beta}-blocker therapy improved LVEF in 7 patients (improved group), while it resulted in deterioration of heart failure, followed by death in 2 patients (deteriorated group). Although initial and delayed H/M ratios in the improved group were not significantly different from those in the deteriorated group, respectively, MIBG washout rate was significantly higher in the deteriorated group than in the improved group (45{+-}8% vs. 30{+-}3%, p=0.04). Our study suggests that DCM patients with markedly rapid MIBG clearance may be deteriorated by {beta}-blocker therapy. In contrast, there were no differences in LVEF and plasma norepinephrine between improved and deteriorated groups. In conclusion, {sup 123}I-MIBG scintigraphy is useful for predicting the effects of {beta}-blocker therapy in patients with DCM. (author)

Screening of probiotic activities of forty-seven strains of Lactobacillus spp. by in vitro techniques and evaluation of the colonization ability of five selected strains in humans.

Science.gov (United States)

Jacobsen, C N; Rosenfeldt Nielsen, V; Hayford, A E; Møller, P L; Michaelsen, K F; Paerregaard, A; Sandström, B; Tvede, M; Jakobsen, M

1999-11-01

The probiotic potential of 47 selected strains of Lactobacillus spp. was investigated. The strains were examined for resistance to pH 2.5 and 0.3% oxgall, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, and antimicrobial activities against enteric pathogenic bacteria in model systems. From the results obtained in vitro, five strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 19070-2, L. reuteri DSM 12246, L. rhamnosus LGG, L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis CHCC 2329, and L. casei subsp. alactus CHCC 3137, were selected for in vivo studies. The daily consumption by 12 healthy volunteers of two doses of 10(10) freeze-dried bacteria of the selected strains for 18 days was followed by a washout period of 17 days. Fecal samples were taken at days 0 and 18 and during the washout period at days 5 and 11. Lactobacillus isolates were initially identified by API 50CHL and internal transcribed spacer PCR, and their identities were confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis in combination with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Among the tested strains, L. rhamnosus 19070-2, L. reuteri DSM 12246, and L. rhamnosus LGG were identified most frequently in fecal samples; they were found in 10, 8, and 7 of the 12 samples tested during the intervention period, respectively, whereas reisolations were less frequent in the washout period. The bacteria were reisolated in concentrations from 10(5) to 10(8) cells/g of feces. Survival and reisolation of the bacteria in vivo appeared to be linked to pH tolerance, adhesion, and antimicrobial properties in vitro.

Impact of sophisticated fog spray models on accident analyses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roblyer, S.P.; Owzarski, P.C.

1978-01-01

The N-Reactor confinement system release dose to the public in a postulated accident is reduced by washing the confinement atmosphere with fog sprays. This allows a low pressure release of confinement atmosphere containing fission products through filters and out an elevated stack. The current accident analysis required revision of the CORRAL code and other codes such as CONTEMPT to properly model the N Reactor confinement into a system of multiple fog-sprayed compartments. In revising these codes, more sophisticated models for the fog sprays and iodine plateout were incorporated to remove some of the conservatism of steam condensing rate, fission product washout and iodine plateout than used in previous studies. The CORRAL code, which was used to describe the transport and deposition of airborne fission products in LWR containment systems for the Rasmussen Study, was revised to describe fog spray removal of molecular iodine (I 2 ) and particulates in multiple compartments for sprays having individual characteristics of on-off times, flow rates, fall heights, and drop sizes in changing containment atmospheres. During postulated accidents, the code determined the fission product removal rates internally rather than from input decontamination factors. A discussion is given of how the calculated plateout and washout rates vary with time throughout the analysis. The results of the accident analyses indicated that more credit could be given to fission product washout and plateout. An important finding was that the release of fission products to the atmosphere and adsorption of fission products on the filters were significantly lower than previous studies had indicated

Effects of potassium channel opener on the kinetics of thallium-201 in in-vitro and in-vivo

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, J.; Kim, E. J.; Ahn, B. C.; Chae, S. C.; Lee, K. B.; Kim, C. K.

1997-01-01

Potassium channel opener (K-opener) opens membrane ATP-sensitive K + -channel and induces and increase in potassium efflux from cells. K-openers are powerful smooth muscle relaxants and currently used as antihypertensive, antianginal drugs or bronchodilators in clinic. Pharmacologic potency of newly synthesized K-opener is being evaluated with efflux capacity of preincubated Rb-83 from the isolated aortic vascular tissue preparation. Thallium has similar characteristics to those of rubidium and potassium in vivo. To evaluate the effect of pinacidil (a potent K-opener) on Tl-201 biokinetics, we have performed uptake/washout studies in cultured myocytes, and mice biodistribution study. Primary culture of spontaneous contracting myocytes was undertake from hearts of newborn Sprague-Dawley rat. Different concentration of pinacidil (100nM or 10uM) was co-incubated with Tl-201 in HBSS buffer to evaluate its effect on cellular uptake, or challenged to myocyte preparations pre-incubated with Tl-201 for washout study. Pinacidil was injected into mice simultaneous or 10-min after Tl-201 injection, and organ uptake and whole body retention ratio was measured using gamma counter or dose calibrator. Co-incubation of pinacidil with Tl-201 resulted in a decrease in Tl uptake into myocytes by 1.6 - 2.5 times, and an increase in washout by 1.6 - 3.1 times. Pinacidil injection resulted in mild decrease in blood, heart and liver uptake in mice, bur renal uptake was markedly decreased in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that the pinacidil Tl-201 kinetics and may potentially affect the interpretation of Tl-201 myocardial imaging

Usefulness of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in silent myocardial ischemia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hou, Mami

1996-01-01

The usefulness of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was assessed in patients with exercise-induced asymptomatic myocardial ischemia (silent ischemia) and compared with exercise-induced symptomatic myocardial ischemia (symptomatic ischemia). Patients with single vessel coronary artery disease (51 with angina pectoris, 40 with old myocardial infarction) and evidence of stress-induced ischemia on thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) underwent successful PTCA. Thirty-seven percent of angina patients and 60% of infarction patients showed asymptomatic exercise-induced ischemia. There was no significant difference in population characteristics between silent and symptomatic patients. Patients with silent angina had significantly higher percentage thallium uptake and washout rate than symptomatic patients. After PTCA, both percentage diameter stenosis and percentage thallium uptake were improved in all patients with angina irrespective of the presence or absence of symptoms. There were no significant differences in percentage thallium uptake and washout rate between patients with silent and symptomatic infarction. After PTCA, percentage diameter stenosis, percentage thallium uptake, and washout rate improved in all infarction patients irrespective of the symptoms. Zero percent of silent angina patients, 12% of symptomatic angina patients, 12% of silent infarction patients, 19% of symptomatic infarction patients had cardiac events during about 4.5 years after PTCA. The incidence of cardiac events did not significantly differ in any patient group. PTCA improved myocardial perfusion in all patients, and the incidence of cardiac events did not differ between the silent and symptomatic groups. Revascularization with PTCA is suitable for patients with silent as well as symptomatic ischemia. (author)

Tocilizumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors: subanalysis of Spanish results of an open-label study close to clinical practice.

Science.gov (United States)

Álvaro-Gracia, José M; Fernández-Nebro, Antonio; García-López, Alicia; Guzmán, Manuel; Blanco, Francisco J; Navarro, Francisco J; Bustabad, Sagrario; Armendáriz, Yolanda; Román-Ivorra, José A

2014-01-01

To analyze the Spanish experience in an international study which evaluated tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) in a clinical practice setting. Subanalysis of 170 patients with RA from Spain who participated in a phase IIIb, open-label, international clinical trial. Patients presented inadequate response to DMARDs or TNFis. They received 8mg/kg of tocilizumab every 4 weeks in combination with a DMARD or as monotherapy during 20 weeks. Safety and efficacy of tocilizumab were analyzed. Special emphasis was placed on differences between failure to a DMARD or to a TNFi and the need to switch to tocilizumab with or without a washout period in patients who had previously received TNFi. The most common adverse events were infections (25%), increased total cholesterol (38%) and transaminases (15%). Five patients discontinued the study due to an adverse event. After six months of tocilizumab treatment, 71/50/30% of patients had ACR 20/50/70 responses, respectively. A higher proportion of TNFi-naive patients presented an ACR20 response: 76% compared to 64% in the TNFi group with previous washout and 66% in the TNFi group without previous washout. Safety results were consistent with previous results in patients with RA and an inadequate response to DMARDs or TNFis. Tocilizumab is more effective in patients who did not respond to conventional DMARDs than in patients who did not respond to TNFis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Minor salivary gland tumors in the oral cavity: Diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuzaki, Hidenobu; Yanagi, Yoshinobu; Hara, Marina; Katase, Naoki; Asaumi, Jun-ichi; Hisatomi, Miki; Unetsubo, Teruhisa; Konouchi, Hironobu; Takenobu, Toshihiko; Nagatsuka, Hitoshi

2012-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for minor salivary gland tumors in the oral cavity. Materials and methods: Thirty-two patients with minor salivary gland tumors were examined preoperatively using DCE-MRI. Their maximum contrast index (CImax), time of CImax (Tmax), Tpeak; i.e., the time that corresponded to the CImax × 0.90, and washout ratios (WR300 and WR600) were determined from contrast index (CI) curves. We compared these parameters between benign and malignant tumors and among the different histopathological types of minor salivary gland tumors. Then, we categorized the patients’ CI curves into four patterns (gradual increase, rapid increase with high washout ratio, rapid increase with low washout, and flat). Results: Statistically significant differences in Tmax (P = 0.004) and Tpeak (P = 0.002) were observed between the benign and malignant tumors. Regarding each histopathological tumor type, significant differences in Tmax (P < 0.001), Tpeak (P < 0.001), and WR600 (P = 0.026) were observed between the pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. It was difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors using our CI curve classification because that two-thirds of the cases were classified into the same type (gradual increase). Conclusion: The DCE-MRI parameters of minor salivary gland tumors contributed little to their differential diagnosis compared with those for major salivary gland tumors. During the diagnosis of minor salivary gland tumors, Tmax is useful for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors

Integrin αvβ3–Targeted Dynamic Contrast–Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using a Gadolinium-Loaded Polyethylene Gycol–Dendrimer–Cyclic RGD Conjugate to Evaluate Tumor Angiogenesis and to Assess Early Antiangiogenic Treatment Response in a Mouse Xenograft Tumor Model

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wei-Tsung Chen

2012-07-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study was to validate an integrin αvβ3–targeted magnetic resonance contrast agent, PEG-G3-(Gd-DTPA6-(cRGD-DTPA2, for its ability to detect tumor angiogenesis and assess early response to antiangiogenic therapy using dynamic contrast–enhanced (DCE magnetic resonance imaging (MRI. Integrin αvβ3–positive U87 cells and control groups were incubated with fluorescein-labeled cRGD-conjugated dendrimer, and the cellular attachment of the dendrimer was observed. DCE MRI was performed on mice bearing KB xenograft tumors using either PEG-G3-(Gd-DTPA6-(cRGD-DTPA2 or PEG-G3-(Gd-DTPA6-(cRAD-DTPA2. DCE MRI was also performed 2 hours after anti–integrin αvβ3 monoclonal antibody treatment and after bevacizumab treatment on days 3 and 6t. Using DCE MRI, the 30-minute contrast washout percentage was significantly lower in the cRGD-conjugate injection groups. The enhancement patterns were different between the two contrast injection groups. In the antiangiogenic therapy groups, a rapid increase in 30-minute contrast washout percentage was observed in both the LM609 and bevacizumab treatment groups, and this occurred before there was an observable decrease in tumor size. The integrin αvβ3 targeting ability of PEG-G3-(Gd-DTPA6-(cRGD-DTPA2 in vitro and in vivo was demonstrated. The 30-minute contrast washout percentage is a useful parameter for examining tumor angiogenesis and for the early assessment of antiangiogenic treatment response.

Time course of the antiproteinuric and antihypertensive effects of direct renin inhibition in type 2 diabetes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Persson, F.; Rossing, P.; Schjoedt, K.J.

2008-01-01

(UACRs) to check whether aliskiren can decrease proteinuria. After a 4-week washout of previous medications, patients received aliskiren and furosemide daily for 28 days followed by a 4-week withdrawal period. Twenty-four-hour BPs were measured at baseline throughout treatment and withdrawal periods...

Cerebral blood flow imaging with thallium-201 diethyldithiocarbamate SPECT

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Royen, E. A.; de Bruïne, J. F.; Hill, T. C.; Vyth, A.; Limburg, M.; Byse, B. L.; O'Leary, D. H.; de Jong, J. M.; Hijdra, A.; van der Schoot, J. B.

1987-01-01

Thallium-201 diethyldithiocarbamate ([201TI]DDC) was studied in humans as an agent for cerebral blood flow imaging. Brain uptake proved to be complete 90 sec after injection with no appreciable washout or redistribution for hours. Intracarotid injection suggested an almost 100% extraction during the

Estimation of radioactive effluents dispersion from the nuclear power plants in Yugoslavia surrounding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vehauc, A.

1997-01-01

The computational method for atmospheric dispersion of radioactive effluents is applied to the nuclear power plants in Yugoslavia surrounding. On the basis of computation results, ground level concentrations and washout of radioactive nuclides on exposed Yugoslav territories during unfavourable meteorological conditions are estimated. (author)

Experiments and modelling on biomass transport inside upflow ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This paper describes the experimental and theoretical activities developed to study the biomass transport phenomena occurring in upflow anaerobic reactors influencing the biomass washout. Particularly, the experimental investigations have been carried out on a full-scale ABR and on a pilot UASB intermittently fed with ...

Laboratory Studies of Wave Attenuation through Artificial and Real Vegetation

Science.gov (United States)

2013-09-01

the possibility of plant washout due to soil erosion, plants were grown hydroponically in coir mats. The coir mats from RoLanka International Inc...inexperience in hydroponics , resulted in the low stem density. It is recommended for future experiments to design a more appropriate hydroponic system (one

Severity of upper-limb panga injuries and infection rates associated ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The injuries sustained included 32 flexor tendon injuries, 14 extensor tendon injuries, 9 fractures and 21 peripheral nerve injuries. Results. Of the patients, 17 underwent early primary repair (within 24 h), 19 delayed primary repair, and 13 delayed repair following primary washout. Wounds were assessed postoperatively ...

Effect of various rinsing protocols after use of amine fluoride/stannous fluoride toothpaste on the bacterial composition of dental plaque

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Loveren, C.; Gerardu, V.A.M.; Sissons, C.H.; van Bekkum, M.; ten Cate, J.M.

2009-01-01

This clinical study evaluated the effect of different oral hygiene protocols on the bacterial composition of dental plaque. After a 2-week period of using fluoride-free toothpaste, 30 participants followed three 1-week experimental protocols, each followed by 2-week fluoride-free washout periods in

Vibration sense and sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity in patients with occlusive arterial disease

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bjerre-Jepsen, K; Henriksen, O; Parm, Martin Lehnsbo

1983-01-01

function was studied by the capability of the local sympathetic venoarteriolar reflex (Henriksen 1977) elicited by lowering the leg to induce an arteriolar constriction in subcutaneous tissue at the ankle level. Blood flow was measured by the local isotope washout technique. In only five patients with loss...

Role of the sympathoadrenergic system in adipose tissue metabolism during exercise in humans

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Stallknecht, B; Lorentsen, J; Enevoldsen, L H

2001-01-01

1. The relative roles of sympathetic nerve activity and circulating catecholamines for adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise are not known. 2. Seven paraplegic spinal cord injured (SCI, injury level T3-T5) and seven healthy control subjects were studied by microdialysis and (133)xenon washout...

Field Demonstration/Validation of Electrolytic Barriers for Energetic Compounds at Pueblo Chemical Depot

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

measuring the intensity of fluorescence at 517 nm using an Ocean Optics USB-2000TM spectrometer and an Ocean OpticsTM custom six-around-one fiber ...Umatilla Army Depot, OR Demilitarization (washout) Basalt Deep (>50 feet) NRC (2005) Installation Action Plan for UAAP March 2001 Hawthorne

Miniature silicon diode matrix-detector for in vivo measurement of 133xenon disappearance in the canine myocardium following local tissue injection

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Svendsen, Jesper Hastrup; Rasmussen, H B; Damgaard, Y

1992-01-01

recording appearing from the gamma-energy of the photopeak. The detector matrix concept allows elimination of motion artefacts and indicator distribution in the myocardial tissue. Due to the uniformity and low cost of Si-diodes the perspective may be the introduction as a disposable transducer useful during......After local tissue depositioning of 133Xenon (133Xe) the regional washout is usually registered by a NaI(Tl) detector. The residual radioactivity of 133Xe is usually measured at its 81 keV photopeak. However, using small Silicon (Si) photodiodes it is feasible to measure only the low-energy...... activity in the X-ray energy range. In the myocardium of open chest dogs 133Xe washout measurements by a matrix of Si diodes composed in a 4 x 4 array and a conventional NaI(Tl) detector were carried out simultaneously. Fourteen separate pairs of measurements were performed in 3 dogs. When the Si...

Radionuclide ventilation-perfusion studies in pediatric respiratory diseases: 157 measurements of the distribution of ventilation and perfusion in 130 children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guillet, J.; Basse-Cathalinat, B.; Christophe, E.; Saudubray, F.

1983-01-01

Radionuclide investigations provide regional quantitative and kinetic data with a very low exposure. Results are dissonant with roentgenographic findings in 52% of cases and enhance diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Although it provides poor quality images. The use of 133 Xe is preferable for ventilation studies to ensure correct evaluation of washout and trapping. According to the patient's age and position, 50% washout times vary from 5.6 to 8.7 seconds in the upper segments and from 5.6 to 8.5 seconds in the lower segments. Distribution of blood flow can be studied after intravenous injection of either sup(99m)Tc labelled microspheres of human albumin or 133 Xe saline solution. The former provides better quality images with studies of all incidences but may be contraindicated in cases of severe pulmonary hypertension or major right-to-left shunts. The latter allows a better sequential study. Radionuclide ventilation-perfusion studies are one of the major advances in pediatric pneumology in recent years [fr

Structure and adhesive properties of solid solution specimen surfaces based on bismuth tellurides after cutting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dik, M.G.; Rybina, L.N.; Dubrovina, A.N.; Abdinov, D.Sh.

1988-01-01

Structure and depth of broken layer, occuring at electroerosion cutting along ingot samples axis of Bi 2 Te 3 -Bi 2 Se 3 , Bi 2 Te 3 -Sb 2 Te 3 systems solid solutions (obtained by methods of directed crystallization and extrusion), and equilibrium contact angle θ, adhesion effort A and contact resistance r c of these crystals contacts with eutectic alloy of Bi-Sn system are investigated. Depth and structure of the broken layer were determined by means of stage-by-stage scouring-etching and X-ray investigation of cutting surface. It is shown, that etching during ∼50 c in large-block material eliminates polycrystalline layer, lattice bendings, resulting in Laue spots asterism, but does not remove their fragmentation and wash-out. Slots wash-out reduces, while fragmentation remains even after continuous etching. Etching with duration from ∼50 c up to 30-40 min practically does not change the character of polycrystalline samples diffraction pattern

Selective drug-induced reduction of blood flow in tumor transplants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knapp, W.H.; Debatin, J.; Layer, K.; Helus, F.; Altmann, A.; Sinn, H.J.; Ostertag, H.

1985-01-01

The effect of a calcium antagonist and a physiological amine on tumor and muscle perfusion was investigated with the aim of improving the preconditions for external hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Nisoldipine and 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) were administered ip in Sprague-Dawley rats bearing Walker 256 carcinoma, Yoshida sarcoma, or a homologous tumor transplant derived from a spontaneous leiomyosarcoma of the uterus. At the maximum dosage used, nisoldipine injection caused a decrease of the regional washout rate of Xenon-133 in the Walker carcinoma and an increase in the muscle of the hind leg. 5-HT caused a drop in the Walker carcinoma and only a slight fall of the washout rate in muscle. Tumor-to-muscle uptake ratios of 11 C-butanol fell. Both drugs representing two different rationales of vasomotor action were able to reduce blood flow specifically in transplanted tumors; nisoldipine increased muscle blood flow and decreased arterial blood pressure, whereas 5-HT acted without substantial systemic effects

arXiv Status of rates and rate equations for thermal leptogenesis

CERN Document Server

Biondini, Simone; Brambilla, Nora; Garny, Mathias; Ghiglieri, Jacopo; Hohenegger, Andreas; Laine, Mikko; Mendizabal, Sebastian; Millington, Peter; Salvio, Alberto; Vairo, Antonio

2018-02-28

In many realizations of leptogenesis, heavy right-handed neutrinos play the main role in the generation of an imbalance between matter and antimatter in the early Universe. Hence, it is relevant to address quantitatively their dynamics in a hot and dense environment by taking into account the various thermal aspects of the problem at hand. The strong washout regime offers an interesting framework to carry out calculations systematically and reduce theoretical uncertainties. Indeed, any matter-antimatter asymmetry generated when the temperature of the hot plasma $T$ exceeds the right-handed neutrino mass scale $M$ is efficiently erased, and one can focus on the temperature window $T \\ll M$. We review recent progresses in the thermal field theoretic derivation of the key ingredients for the leptogenesis mechanism: the right-handed neutrino production rate, the CP asymmetry in the heavy-neutrino decays and the washout rates. The derivation of evolution equations for the heavy-neutrino and lepton-asymmetry number...

Use of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial imaging to predict the effectiveness of β-blocker therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukuoka, Shuji; Hayashida, Kohei; Hirose, Yoshiaki; Shimotsu, Yoriko; Ishida, Yoshio; Kakuchi, Hiroyuki; Eto, Tanenao

1997-01-01

We studied 13 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and seven normal subjects. We obtained myocardial SPET images 15 min and 4 h after administration of 123 I-MIBG (111 MBq). Studies were performed in the patients with DCM before and 1 and 3 months after the administration of metoprolol and in the normal subjects. We calculated the regional 123 I-MIBG washout rate (r-WR) in the SPET image, and the global 123 I-MIBG washout rate (g-WR) and heart-mediastinum activity ratio (H/M) using the anterior planar image. We classified patients into those showing a ≥5% increase in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at 3 months compared with LVEF values before the treatment (group I, n=7) and those showing a 123 I-MIBG SPET imaging can be used to predict the functional improvement of LVEF at 1 month of β-blocker therapy in patients with DCM. (orig./VHE). With 4 figs., 1 tab

Status of rates and rate equations for thermal leptogenesis

Science.gov (United States)

Biondini, S.; Bödeker, D.; Brambilla, N.; Garny, M.; Ghiglieri, J.; Hohenegger, A.; Laine, M.; Mendizabal, S.; Millington, P.; Salvio, A.; Vairo, A.

2018-02-01

In many realizations of leptogenesis, heavy right-handed neutrinos play the main role in the generation of an imbalance between matter and antimatter in the early Universe. Hence, it is relevant to address quantitatively their dynamics in a hot and dense environment by taking into account the various thermal aspects of the problem at hand. The strong washout regime offers an interesting framework to carry out calculations systematically and reduce theoretical uncertainties. Indeed, any matter-antimatter asymmetry generated when the temperature of the hot plasma T exceeds the right-handed neutrino mass scale M is efficiently erased, and one can focus on the temperature window T ≪ M. We review recent progress in the thermal field theoretic derivation of the key ingredients for the leptogenesis mechanism: the right-handed neutrino production rate, the CP asymmetry in the heavy-neutrino decays and the washout rates. The derivation of evolution equations for the heavy-neutrino and lepton-asymmetry number densities, their rigorous formulation and applicability are also discussed.

Prediction of postoperative pulmonary function following thoracic operations. Value of ventilation-perfusion scanning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bria, W.F.; Kanarek, D.J.; Kazemi, H.

1983-01-01

Surgical resection of lung cancer is frequently required in patients with severely impaired lung function resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Twenty patients with obstructive lung disease and cancer (mean preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] . 1.73 L) were studied preoperatively and postoperatively by spirometry and radionuclide perfusion, single-breath ventilation, and washout techniques to test the ability of these methods to predict preoperatively the partial loss of lung function by the resection. Postoperative FEV1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) were accurately predicted by the formula: postoperative FEV1 (or FVC) . preoperative FEV1 X percent function of regions of lung not to be resected (r . 0.88 and 0.95, respectively). Ventilation and perfusion scans are equally effective in prediction. Washout data add to the sophistication of the method by permitting the qualitative evaluation of ventilation during tidal breathing. Criteria for patients requiring the study are suggested

An experimental randomized study of six different ventilatory modes in a piglet model with normal lungs

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, J B; Sjöstrand, U H; Henneberg, S W

1991-01-01

A randomized study of 6 ventilatory modes was made in 7 piglets with normal lungs. Using a Servo HFV 970 (prototype system) and a Servo ventilator 900 C the ventilatory modes examined were as follows: SV-20V, i.e. volume-controlled intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV); SV-20VIosc, i...... ventilatory modes. Also the mean airway pressures were lower with the HFV modes 8-9 cm H2O compared to 11-14 cm H2O for the other modes. The gas distribution was evaluated by N2 wash-out and a modified lung clearance index. All modes showed N2 wash-out according to a two-compartment model. The SV-20P mode had.......e. volume-controlled ventilation (IPPV) with superimposed inspiratory oscillations; and SV-20VEf, i.e. volume-controlled ventilation (IPPV) with expiratory flush of fresh gas; HFV-60 denotes low-compressive high-frequency positive-pressure ventilation (HFPPV) and HVF-20 denotes low-compressive volume...

Capillary permeability of 99mTc-DTPA in canine myocardium determined by intracoronary bolus injection and residue detection

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Svendsen, Jesper Hastrup; Efsen, F; Haunsø, S

1989-01-01

chest dogs (group A) these indicators were administered separately as bolus injections into a cannulated diagonal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and the curve of the response function was recorded by external activity registration. In further experiments on closed and open...... chest dogs (group B) 99mTc-DTPA was injected via a coronary angiography catheter into the ostium of the left coronary artery and the response curve was obtained by external registration. Regional myocardial perfusion coefficients were determined by the local 133xenon washout technique and from kinetic...... by local 133Xe washout technique. Mean values of the extraction fractions (E) were 0.463 and 0.475 for 99mTc-DTPA and 51Cr-EDTA, and the permeability-surface area products (PdS) were 52.8 and 57.5 ml.min-1.100 g-1 respectively. At the conventional capillary surface area estimate of 500 cm2.g-1...

Relations between the distribution of signal strength on dynamic MRI imaging and the effect of primary systemic chemotherapy on breast cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohta, Koji; Endo, Naoki; Miyanaga, Tamon; Hosokawa, Osamu; Takeda, Takayuki; Kaizaki, Yasuharu

2009-01-01

The subjects were 24 patients in whom MRI was performed before and after primary system chemotherapy (PSC). We investigated the pattern of contrast enhancement with respect to treatment responses. We prepared the time-signal intensity in each region of interest (ROI) (small ROI), established by dividing the maximum cut surface of each tumor into 9, and then subdividing them, and examined the distribution of enhancement. We counted small ROIs showing early enhancement and late washout per lesion. Counts were plotted on the longitudinal axis, and the tumor reduction rate on the transverse axis based on data for all tumors. These were also evaluated with respect to subtypes. The complete response (CR) group showed early enhancement and late washout. In addition, the small ROI count was correlated with the tumor reduction rate only in the luminal group. In this group, treatment responses may have more strongly depended on the intra-tumoral vascular density and permeability, because anticancer agent sensitivity was low. (author)

Nocturnal variations in lower-leg subcutaneous blood flow in paraplegic men

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sindrup, J H; Wroblewski, H; Kastrup, J

1992-01-01

1. Lower-leg subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow rates were measured over 12-20 h under ambulatory conditions by means of the 133Xe-washout technique in nine paraplegic men, all with complete spinal cord lesions at or below the Th 6 level, and in nine age-matched healthy men. Portable Cd......Te(Cl) detectors and data-storage units were used. 2. The central and local sympathetic vasoconstrictive activity at the lower leg was measured under laboratory conditions by means of the 133Xe-washout technique and a stationary NaI(Tl) detector system. 3. The paraplegic men were found to have intact central...... the paraplegic men suffered from complete lower-leg somaesthetic denervation. 5. A significant correlation was found between the time of going to bed and the nightly hyperaemic response in the right and left lower legs (P less than 0.01). 6. It is concluded that the present data are in accordance...

Animal models for the evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals to measure brian blood flow and function

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Welch, M.J.; Marshall, L.G.I.; Mathias, C.J.

1987-01-01

Several techniques have been utilized to carry out initial evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals labeled with technetium-99m and other radionuclides. The simplest technique is to measure the amount of radioactivity in the brain in rats or mice following the intravenous administration of these compounds; brain uptake and washout of radiopharmaceuticals can be estimated. More sophisticated techniques involve measuring the uptake and egress of the radiopharmaceutical following carotid artery administration in rats of primates. The Oldendorf technique compares a tracer with a standard compound e.g. tritiated water, to measure the brain uptake index of various compounds determined by decapiation at short times following administration. Another technique in which consecutive administrations of the compound to be studied and oxygen-15-labeled water are injected via the carotid artery of primates; the brain extraction and washout of the unknown tracer can be evaluated. The blood flow can be varied by altering the pCO 2 of the animal. Examples will be given and techniques compared

Synthesis and evaluation of p-iodo-phentermine (IP) as a brain perfusion imaging agent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kizuka, H.; Elmaleh, D.R.; Brownell, G.L.; Strauss, H.W.

1985-01-01

rho-( 123 I and 131 I) iodo α,α-dimethylphenethylamine (rho-iodophentermine, IP) as the α-methylated analogue of iodoamphetamine has been prepared. It is hoped that this methyl substitution will increase the lipophilicity of the agent, enhance resistance to metabolism by monoamine oxidase, and will result in increased initial uptake and slower washout from the brain as compared to N-isopropyl-rho-( 123 I) iodoamphetamine. IP was prepared by diazotization of rho-aminophentermine followed by decomposition of the diazonium salt with KI. Radioiodinated IP was prepared either by the solid-phase isotopic exchange reaction or by decomposition of the piperidinotriazene derivative with a radiochemical yield of 40-60%. Biodistribution of 131 I-IP in rats showed brain uptake in the range of 1.7% dose g -1 at 5, 30 and 60 min. Imaging studies with 123 I-IP in dogs showed high brain extraction and slow washout of activity. (author)

Study on collection efficiency of fission products by spray: Experimental device and modelling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ducret, D.; Roblot, D.; Vendel, J. [Institut de Protection et de Surete Nucleaire, Gif-Sur-Yvette (France); Billarand, Y. [ECCO Pharmacie et Chimie, Neuilly (France)

1997-08-01

Consequences of an hypothetical overheating reactor accident in nuclear power plants can be limited by spraying cold water drops into containment building. The spray reduces the pressure and the temperature levels by condensation of steam and leads to the washout of fission products (aerosols and gaseous iodine). The present study includes a large program devoted to the evaluation of realistic washout rates. An experimental device (named CARAIDAS) was designed and built in order to determine the collection efficiency of aerosols and iodine absorption by drops with representative conditions of post-accident atmosphere. This experimental device is presented in the paper and more particularly: (1) the experimental enclosure in which representative thermodynamic conditions can be achieved, (2) the monosized drops generator, the drops diameter measurement and the drops collector, (3) the cesium iodide aerosols generator and the aerosols measurements. Modelling of steam condensation on drops aerosols collection and iodine absorption are described. First experimental and code results on drops and aerosols behaviour are compared. 8 refs., 18 figs.

Double-phase parathyroid 99Tcm-MIBI scintigraphy in secondary hyperparathyroidism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Wei; Xu Zhaoqiang; Hu Jianmin; Chang Guojun; Yao Weixuan; Li Yongjun; Chen Jianwei

1999-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of double-phase parathyroid 99 Tc m -MIBI scintigraphy in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) following chronic renal failure. Methods: 99 Tc m -MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy was performed on 20 SHP patients. All images were analyzed with parathyroid/thyroid ratio (PT/T) and parathyroid index (PTI). 3 patients underwent parathyroidectomy and ectopic autografting. Results: 8 patients were 99 Tc m -MIBI-positive. 9 parathyroid glands removed from 3 patients were histopathologically diagnosed as parathyroid hyperplasia. 8 of the 9 were scintigraphy positive with the sensitivity of 88.9%, the localization of the parathyroids with scanning before operation was accurate. It was found that there were 3 types of MIBI washout in hyperplastic parathyroids. Conclusions: 99 Tc m -MIBI scintigraphy is valuable in localization of parathyroids in SHP, especially of hyperfunctioning glands. Special attention should be paid to the fact that there are different types of MIBI washout in hyperplastic glands, otherwise some abnormal glands might be missed

Plasma HVA in psychiatric patients: longitudinal studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Javaid, J I; Sharma, R P; Janicak, P G; Davis, J M

1990-01-01

Plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) was measured in 40 inpatients (25 schizophrenic and 15 nonschizophrenic patients) who underwent up to 3 weeks of drug washout. Schizophrenic patients were then treated with trifluoperazine for 4 weeks, and weekly behavioral and pHVA measures were obtained. The baseline pHVA had no relationship to age, sex, washout period, diagnosis, or behavioral rating scores. In schizophrenic patients, the baseline pHVA did not differ significantly from any value obtained during 4 weeks of treatment. Although there was significant improvement in clinical symptoms, this was not related to changes in pHVA. Further, changes in any of the four Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) factors (i.e., positive symptoms, negative symptoms, hostility/suspicion, or anxiety/depression) were not correlated with changes in pHVA. Although other studies have reported a positive correlation between pHVA and psychotic symptoms, results of this study suggest that any observed relationship between pHVA and psychosis must be carefully interpreted.

Effects of the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process on global black carbon distribution

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. Qi

2017-06-01

Full Text Available We systematically investigate the effects of Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process (hereafter WBF on black carbon (BC scavenging efficiency, surface BCair, deposition flux, concentration in snow (BCsnow, ng g−1, and washout ratio using a global 3-D chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem. We differentiate riming- versus WBF-dominated in-cloud scavenging based on liquid water content (LWC and temperature. Specifically, we implement an implied WBF parameterization using either temperature or ice mass fraction (IMF in mixed-phase clouds based on field measurements. We find that at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland, and Abisko, Sweden, where WBF dominates in-cloud scavenging, including the WBF effect strongly reduces the discrepancies of simulated BC scavenging efficiency and washout ratio against observations (from a factor of 3 to 10 % and from a factor of 4–5 to a factor of 2. However, at Zeppelin, Norway, where riming dominates, simulation of BC scavenging efficiency, BCair, and washout ratio become worse (relative to observations when WBF is included. There is thus an urgent need for extensive observations to distinguish and characterize riming- versus WBF-dominated aerosol scavenging in mixed-phase clouds and the associated BC scavenging efficiency. Our model results show that including the WBF effect lowers global BC scavenging efficiency, with a higher reduction at higher latitudes (8 % in the tropics and up to 76 % in the Arctic. The resulting annual mean BCair increases by up to 156 % at high altitudes and at northern high latitudes because of lower temperature and higher IMF. Overall, WBF halves the model–observation discrepancy (from −65 to −30 % of BCair across North America, Europe, China and the Arctic. Globally WBF increases BC burden from 0.22 to 0.29–0.35 mg m−2 yr−1, which partially explains the gap between observed and previous model-simulated BC burdens over land. In addition, WBF significantly increases

Evaluation of a method for determination of the subcutaneous blood flow in the forefoot continuously over 24 h

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jelnes, Rolf; Bülow, J

1984-01-01

A method is presented which allows for continuous registration of forefoot blood flow over 24 h. Blood flow was estimated by the radioactive Xenon washout method and a portable CdTe detector system was used to measure the tracer disappearance rate. Since the semiconductor detector is placed very ...

Comparison of fractionation methods for nitrogen and starch in maize and grass silages

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ali, M; de Jonge, L H; Cone, J W; van Duinkerken, G; Blok, M C; Bruinenberg, M H; Hendriks, W H

2016-01-01

In in situ nylon bag technique, many feed evaluation systems use a washing machine method (WMM) to determine the washout (W) fraction and to wash the rumen incubated nylon bags. As this method has some disadvantages, an alternate modified method (MM) was recently introduced. The aim of this study

New insights into the methodological issues of the indicator amino acid oxidation method in preterm neonates

NARCIS (Netherlands)

de Groof, F.; Huang, L.S.; Twisk, J.W.R.; Voortman, G.J.; Joemai, W.; Hau, C.H.; Schierbeek, H.; Chen, C.; Huang, Y.; van Goudoever, J.B.

2013-01-01

Background: We determined the effect of adaptation to the study diet on oxidation of the indicator amino acid and the required tracer washout time in preterms. Methods: Subjects received a study diet for 6 d that entailed a 50% reduction in leucine. Tracer studies using enterally infused [ 13

Nocturnal foot blood flow in patients with arterial insufficiency

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jelnes, Rolf; Tønnesen, K H

1984-01-01

Twenty-four hour continuous recording of xenon (133Xe) wash-out from the forefoot was performed on patients with normal circulations (n = 10) and on patients with different degrees of arterial insufficiency (n = 36). During day hours the calculated subcutaneous blood flow in the forefoot was on a...

Measurement of capillary permeability in canine heart determined by the tissue injection, residue detection method

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Svendsen, Jesper Hastrup; Paaske, W P; Haunsø, S

1991-01-01

(apparent) interstitial volume of distribution, tev is the mean transit time of the indicator, and klo is the recorded fractional initial washout rate constant. In experiments on open chest dog hearts we examined capillary permeability for 51Cr-EDTA and 99mTc-DTPA with the tissue injection, residue...

Further assessment of the protozoal contribution to the nutrition of the ruminant animal

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hook, Sarah E.; France, James; Dijkstra, J.

2017-01-01

The flow of protozoa from the reticulo-rumen is lower than expected, due to ability of protozoa to prevent washout through sequestration on feed particles and the rumen epithelium. In order to estimate the distribution of protozoa within the reticulo-rumen and passage to the omasum, Czerkawski

Peritoneal cavity lavage reduces the presence of mitochondrial damage associated molecular patterns in open abdomen patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Martinez-Quinones, Patricia A; McCarthy, Cameron G; Mentzer, Caleb J; Wenceslau, Camilla F; Holsten, Steven B; Webb, R Clinton; O'Malley, Keith

2017-12-01

Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), such as mitochondrial DNA and N-formylated peptides, are endogenous molecules released from tissue after traumatic injury. mtDAMPs are potent activators of the innate immune system. They have similarities with bacteria, which allow mtDAMPs to interact with the same pattern recognition receptors and mediate the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Current recommendations for management of an open abdomen include returning to the operating room every 48 hours for peritoneal cavity lavage until definitive procedure. These patients are often critically ill and develop SIRS. We hypothesized that mitochondrial DAMPs are present in the peritoneal cavity fluid in this setting, and that they accumulate in the interval between washouts. We conducted a prospective pilot study of critically ill adult patients undergoing open abdomen management in the surgical and trauma intensive care units. Peritoneal fluid was collected daily from 10 open abdomen patients. Specimens were analyzed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), via enzyme immunoassay for DNAse activity and via Western blot analysis for the ND6 subunit of the NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase, an N-formylated peptide. We observed a reduction in the expression of ND6 the day after lavage of the peritoneal cavity, that was statistically different from the days with no lavage (% change in ND6 expression, postoperative from washout: -50 ± 11 vs. no washout day, 42 ± 9; p abdomen. It is possible that increased frequency of peritoneal cavity lavage may lead to decreased systemic absorption of mtDAMPs, thereby reducing the risk of SIRS. Prospective study, Case Series, Level V.

Prospective assessment of regional myocardial perfusion before and after coronary revascularization surgery by quantitative thallium-201 scintigraphy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gibson, R.S.; Watson, D.D.; Taylor, G.J.; Crosby, I.K.; Wellons, H.L.; Holt, N.D.; Beller, G.A.

1983-01-01

Because thallium-201 uptake relates directly to the amount of viable myocardium and nutrient blood flow, the potential for exercise scintigraphy to predict response to coronary revascularization surgery was investigated in 47 consecutive patients. All patients underwent thallium-201 scintigraphy and coronary angiography at a mean (+/- standard deviation) of 4.3 +/- 3.1 weeks before and 7.5 +/- 1.6 weeks after surgery. Thallium uptake and washout were computer-quantified and each of six segments was defined as normal, showing total or partial redistribution or a persistent defect. Persistent defects were further classified according to the percent reduction in regional thallium activity; PD25-50 denoted a 25 to 50% constant reduction in relative thallium activity and PD greater than 50 denoted a greater than 50% reduction. Of 82 segments with total redistribution before surgery, 76 (93%) showed normal thallium uptake and washout postoperatively, versus only 16 (73%) of 22 with partial redistribution (probability [p] . 0.01). Preoperative ventriculography revealed that 95% of the segments with total redistribution had preserved wall motion, versus only 74% of those with partial redistribution (p . 0.01). Of 42 persistent defects thought to represent myocardial scar before surgery, 19 (45%) demonstrated normal perfusion postoperatively. Of the persistent defects that showed improved thallium perfusion postoperatively, 75% had normal or hypokinetic wall motion before surgery, versus only 14% of those without improvement (p less than 0.001). Whereas 57% of the persistent defects that showed a 25 to 50% decrease in myocardial activity demonstrated normal thallium uptake and washout postoperatively, only 21% of the persistent defects with a decrease in myocardial activity greater than 50% demonstrated improved perfusion after surgery (p . 0.02)

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhanced by Platelet-Rich Plasma Maintain Adhesion to Scaffolds in Arthroscopic Simulation.

Science.gov (United States)

Hoberman, Alexander R; Cirino, Carl; McCarthy, Mary Beth; Cote, Mark P; Pauzenberger, Leo; Beitzel, Knut; Mazzocca, Augustus D; Dyrna, Felix

2018-03-01

To assess the response of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (bMSCs) enhanced by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the setting of a normal human tendon (NHT), a demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and a fibrin scaffold (FS) with simulated arthroscopic mechanical washout stress. Bone marrow was aspirated from the humeral head and concentrated. BMSCs were counted, plated, and grown to confluence. Cells were seeded onto 3 different scaffolds: (1) NHT, (2) DBM, and (3) FS. Each scaffold was treated with a combination of (+)/(-) PRP and (+)/(-) arthroscopic washout simulation. A period of 60 minutes was allotted before arthroscopic washout. Adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation assays were performed to assess cellular activity in each condition. Significant differences were seen in mesenchymal stromal cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation among the scaffolds. DBM and FS showed superior results to NHT for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. PRP significantly enhanced cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Arthroscopic simulation did not significantly decrease bMSC adhesion. We found that the type of scaffold impacts bMSCs' behavior. Both scaffolds (DBM and FS) were superior to NHT. The use of an arthroscopic simulator did not significantly decrease the adhesion of bMSCs to the scaffolds nor did it decrease their biologic differentiation potential. In addition, PRP enhanced cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Improved healing after tendon repair can lead to better clinical outcomes. BMSCs are attractive for enhancing healing given their accessibility and regenerative potential. Application of bMSCs using scaffolds as cell carriers relies on arthroscopic feasibility. Copyright © 2017 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: dynamic contrast-enhanced ovary MR imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Erdem, C. Zuhal E-mail: sunarerdem@yahoo.com; Bayar, Ulku; Erdem, L. Oktay; Barut, Aykut; Gundogdu, Sadi; Kaya, Erdal

2004-07-01

Objective: to determine the enhancement behaviour of the ovaries in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE-MR) imaging and to compare these data with those of normal ovulating controls. Method: 24 women with PCOS and 12 controls underwent DCE-MR imaging. Dynamic images were acquired before and after injection of a contrast bolus at 30 s and the min of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. On postprocessing examination: (i) the ovarian volumes; (ii) the signal intensity value of each ovary per dynamic study; (iii) early-phase enhancement rate; (iv) time to peak enhancement (T{sub p}); and (v) percentage of washout of 5th min were determined. Data of the ovaries of the women with PCOS and controls were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: the mean values of T{sub p} were found to be significantly lower in women with PCOS than in controls (p<0.05). On the other hand, the mean values of ovarian volume, the early-phase enhancement rate, and percentage of washout of 5th min of ovaries were significantly higher in PCOS patients (p<0.05). Examination of the mean signal intensity-time curve revealed the ovaries in women with PCOS showed a faster and greater enhancement and wash-out. Conclusion: the enhancement behaviour of ovaries of women with PCOS may be significantly different from those of control subjects on DCE-MR imaging examination. In our experience, it is a valuable modality to highlight the vascularization changes in ovarian stroma with PCOS. We believe that improved DCE-MR imaging techniques may also provide us additional parameters in the diagnosis and treatment strategies of PCOS.

Reducing Operating Room Costs Through Real-Time Cost Information Feedback: A Pilot Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Tabib, Christian H; Bahler, Clinton D; Hardacker, Thomas J; Ball, Kevin M; Sundaram, Chandru P

2015-08-01

To create a protocol for providing real-time operating room (OR) cost feedback to surgeons. We hypothesize that this protocol will reduce costs in a responsible way without sacrificing quality of care. All OR costs were obtained and recorded for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Before the beginning of this project, costs pertaining to the 20 most recent cases were analyzed. Items were identified from previous cases as modifiable for replacement or omission. Timely feedback of total OR costs and cost of each item used was provided to the surgeon after each case, and costs were analyzed. A cost analysis of the robot-assisted partial nephrectomy before the washout period indicates expenditures of $5243.04 per case. Ten recommended modifiable items were found to have an average per case cost of $1229.33 representing 23.4% of the total cost. A postwashout period cost analysis found the total OR cost decreased by $899.67 (17.2%) because of changes directly related to the modifiable items. Therefore, 73.2% of the possible identified savings was realized. The same stepwise approach was applied to laparoscopic donor nephrectomies. The average total cost per case before the washout period was $3530.05 with $457.54 attributed to modifiable items. After the washout period, modifiable items costs were reduced by $289.73 (8.0%). No complications occurred in the donor nephrectomy cases while one postoperative complication occurred in the partial nephrectomy group. Providing surgeons with feedback related to OR costs may lead to a change in surgeon behavior and decreased overall costs. Further studies are needed to show equivalence in patient outcomes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: dynamic contrast-enhanced ovary MR imaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erdem, C. Zuhal; Bayar, Ulku; Erdem, L. Oktay; Barut, Aykut; Gundogdu, Sadi; Kaya, Erdal

2004-01-01

Objective: to determine the enhancement behaviour of the ovaries in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE-MR) imaging and to compare these data with those of normal ovulating controls. Method: 24 women with PCOS and 12 controls underwent DCE-MR imaging. Dynamic images were acquired before and after injection of a contrast bolus at 30 s and the min of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. On postprocessing examination: (i) the ovarian volumes; (ii) the signal intensity value of each ovary per dynamic study; (iii) early-phase enhancement rate; (iv) time to peak enhancement (T p ); and (v) percentage of washout of 5th min were determined. Data of the ovaries of the women with PCOS and controls were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: the mean values of T p were found to be significantly lower in women with PCOS than in controls (p<0.05). On the other hand, the mean values of ovarian volume, the early-phase enhancement rate, and percentage of washout of 5th min of ovaries were significantly higher in PCOS patients (p<0.05). Examination of the mean signal intensity-time curve revealed the ovaries in women with PCOS showed a faster and greater enhancement and wash-out. Conclusion: the enhancement behaviour of ovaries of women with PCOS may be significantly different from those of control subjects on DCE-MR imaging examination. In our experience, it is a valuable modality to highlight the vascularization changes in ovarian stroma with PCOS. We believe that improved DCE-MR imaging techniques may also provide us additional parameters in the diagnosis and treatment strategies of PCOS

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the water fraction of normal bone marrow and diffuse bone marrow disease

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Katsuya, Tomoo; Inoue, Tomio; Ishizaka, Hiroshi; Aoki, Jun; Endo, Keigo [Gunma Univ., Maebashi (Japan). School of Medicine

2000-10-01

To clarify the contrast-enhancement pattern of the normal hematopoietic element by isolating the signal of the water fraction in vertebral bone marrow and to investigate whether this approach can be used to characterize bone marrow pathology in several diffuse bone marrow diseases. Two groups were examined: 30 normal healthy volunteers and 19 patients with primary diffuse bone marrow disease (aplastic anemia [n=8], myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) [n=5], chronic myelogenic leukemia (CML) [n=4], polycythemia vera [n=2]). Isolation of the signal of hematopoietic tissue was done by the chemical-shift misregistration effect. Twenty consecutive T1-weighted midsagittal lumber vertebral images were obtained immediately after the intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight, and the pattern of the time-intensity curve, the peak contrast-enhancement (CE) ratio, and the washout rate (%/min) of bone marrow in normal volunteers were compared with those in patients suffering from primary diffuse bone marrow disease. The pattern of the time-intensity curve of patients with aplastic anemia showed a low peak value followed by a slow washout. However, the pattern of time-intensity curves in patients with MDS, CML, and polycythemia vera was similar to that of normal volunteers. The peak CE ratio of the water fraction in normal marrow ranged from 0.45 to 1.26 (mean {+-}S.D.: 0.87{+-}0.18). Patients with aplastic anemia showed an abnormally lower peak CE ratio of the water fraction (mean {+-}S.D.: 0.34{+-}0.19, p<0.0001). On the other hand, the peak CE ratio of the water fraction in patients with MDS was significantly higher than that of normal volunteers (mean {+-}S.D. 1.35{+-}0.39, p<0.05). In contrast, the peak CE ratio of patients with CML or polycythemia vera did not differ significantly from that of normal volunteers. The mean washout rate of patients with aplastic anemia was significantly lower than that of normal volunteers (mean {+-}S.D.: 3.50{+-}2.51 %/min

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the water fraction of normal bone marrow and diffuse bone marrow disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katsuya, Tomoo; Inoue, Tomio; Ishizaka, Hiroshi; Aoki, Jun; Endo, Keigo

2000-01-01

To clarify the contrast-enhancement pattern of the normal hematopoietic element by isolating the signal of the water fraction in vertebral bone marrow and to investigate whether this approach can be used to characterize bone marrow pathology in several diffuse bone marrow diseases. Two groups were examined: 30 normal healthy volunteers and 19 patients with primary diffuse bone marrow disease (aplastic anemia [n=8], myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) [n=5], chronic myelogenic leukemia (CML) [n=4], polycythemia vera [n=2]). Isolation of the signal of hematopoietic tissue was done by the chemical-shift misregistration effect. Twenty consecutive T1-weighted midsagittal lumber vertebral images were obtained immediately after the intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight, and the pattern of the time-intensity curve, the peak contrast-enhancement (CE) ratio, and the washout rate (%/min) of bone marrow in normal volunteers were compared with those in patients suffering from primary diffuse bone marrow disease. The pattern of the time-intensity curve of patients with aplastic anemia showed a low peak value followed by a slow washout. However, the pattern of time-intensity curves in patients with MDS, CML, and polycythemia vera was similar to that of normal volunteers. The peak CE ratio of the water fraction in normal marrow ranged from 0.45 to 1.26 (mean ±S.D.: 0.87±0.18). Patients with aplastic anemia showed an abnormally lower peak CE ratio of the water fraction (mean ±S.D.: 0.34±0.19, p<0.0001). On the other hand, the peak CE ratio of the water fraction in patients with MDS was significantly higher than that of normal volunteers (mean ±S.D. 1.35±0.39, p<0.05). In contrast, the peak CE ratio of patients with CML or polycythemia vera did not differ significantly from that of normal volunteers. The mean washout rate of patients with aplastic anemia was significantly lower than that of normal volunteers (mean ±S.D.: 3.50±2.51 %/min vs. 7.13±1

Effects of Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen Process on Global Black Carbon Distribution

Science.gov (United States)

Qi, L.

2016-12-01

In mixed-phase clouds, the Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen (WBF) process (ice crystals may grow while water drops evaporate, thereby releasing black carbon (BC) particles into the interstitial air) slows down wet scavenging of BC. Rimming (snowflakes fall and collect cloud water drops and the BC in them along their pathways), in contrast, results in more efficient wet scavenging. We systematically investigate the effects of WBF on BC scavenging efficiency, surface BCair, deposition flux, concentration in snow, and washout ratio using a global 3D chemical transport model. We differentiate riming- vs WBF-dominated in-cloud scavenging based on liquid water content and temperature. Specifically, we relate WBF to either temperature or ice mass fraction in mixed-phase clouds. We find that at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland and Abisko, Sweden, where WBF dominates, the discrepancies of simulated BC scavenging efficiency and washout ratio are significantly reduced (from a factor of 3 to 10% and from a factor of 4-5 to a factor of two). However, at Zeppelin, Norway, where riming dominates, simulation of BC scavenging efficiency, BCair, and washout ratio become worse (relative to observations) when WBF is included. There is thus an urgent need for extensive observations to distinguish and characterize riming- versus WBF-dominated aerosol scavenging in mixed-phase clouds and the associated BC scavenging efficiency. We find the reduction resulting from WBF to global BC scavenging efficiency varies substantially, from 8% in the tropics to 76% in the Arctic. The resulting annual mean BCair increases by up to 156% at high altitudes and at northern high latitudes. Overall, WBF halves the model-observation discrepancy (from -65% to -30%) of BCair across North America, Europe, China and the Arctic. Globally WBF increases BC burden from 0.22 to 0.29-0.35 mg m-2 yr-1, which partially explains the gap between observed and previous model simulated BC burdens over land (Bond et al., 2013). In

Effect of ketoconazole-mediated CYP3A4 inhibition on clinical pharmacokinetics of panobinostat (LBH589), an orally active histone deacetylase inhibitor

NARCIS (Netherlands)

A.P. Hamberg (Paul); M.M. Woo (Margaret M.); L.C. Chen (Lin-Chi); J. Verweij (Jaap); M.G. Porro; L. Zhao (Ling); W. Li (Weili); D.A.J. van der Biessen (Diane); H.S. Sharma (Hari); T. Hengelage (Thomas); M.J.A. de Jonge (Maja)

2011-01-01

textabstractPurpose: Panobinostat is partly metabolized by CYP3A4 in vitro. This study evaluated the effect of a potent CYP3A inhibitor, ketoconazole, on the pharmacokinetics and safety of panobinostat. Methods: Patients received a single panobinostat oral dose on day 1, followed by 4 days wash-out

Wound healing in below-knee amputations in relation to skin perfusion pressure

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Holstein, P; Sager, P; Lassen, N A

1979-01-01

In 60 below-knee amputations the healing of the stumps was correlated with the local skin perfusion pressure (SPP) measured preoperatively as the external pressure required to stop isotope washout using 131I- or 125I--antipyrine mixed with histamine. Of the eight cases with an SPP below 20 mm...

BULLOUS DEGENERATION OF THE LEFT LOWER LOBE IN A HEROIN-ADDICT

NARCIS (Netherlands)

SMEENK, FWJM; SERLIE, J; VANDERJAGT, EJ; POSTMUS, PE

1990-01-01

A 34 yr old heroin addict was referred because of chest pain caused by air-trapping in a bulla in the left lower lobe. There was a marked difference between the functional residual capacity measured by body-plethysmography and helium dilution. A slow wash-in and wash-out were demonstrated by

Lack of effect of the dopamine D1 antagonist, NNC 01-0687, on unstimulated and stimulated release of anterior pituitary hormones in males

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Grodum, E; Andersen, M; Hangaard, J

1998-01-01

-blind placebo controlled cross-over study for three days with a wash-out period of 14 days. Hormonal responses (PRL, LH, FSH, GH, TSH, thyroid hormones and testosterone), unstimulated and LHRH/TRH stimulated, were studied on days 1 and 3. No significant difference (p > 0.05) between placebo and active periods...

Effect of spaceflight on the subcutaneous venoarteriolar reflex in the human lower leg

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gabrielsen, Anders; Norsk, Peter

2007-01-01

by gravity, we tested the hypothesis that long-term weightlessness would attenuate it. The reduction in subcutaneous blood flow was measured by the (133)Xe washout technique just proximal to the ankle joint in dependent lower legs of eight supine astronauts, where the knee joint was passively bent by 90...

Metabolism and inflammatory mediators in the peritendinous space measured by microdialysis during intermittent isometric exercise in humans

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Langberg, Henning; Skovgaard, D; Karamouzis, M

1999-01-01

healthy humans were studied at rest, during 30 min of intermittent static plantar flexion of the ankle at a workload corresponding to individual body weight, and during 60 min of recovery. Microdialysis was performed in both legs with simultaneous determination of blood flow by 133Xe washout in the same...

Pharmacokinetic Study of Nifedipine in Healthy Adult Male Human ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Erah

obtained from the volunteers. Nifedipine (Adalat® capsules, 10 mg, Bayer. Pharmaceuticals, Karachi, Pakistan) was the drug used. The study was conducted in the same subjects in two phases separated by a washout period of one week. Twelve data sets were obtained. Drug administration and blood sampling. A blank ...

Simultaneous assessment of blood flow in UVB-inflamed human skin by laser Doppler flowmetry and the 133-xenon cashout technique

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

1991-01-01

The purpose of the study was to compare skin bloood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and the 133-Xenon washout technique in UVB-inflamed human skin. Six healthy subjects participated in the study. Forearm skin blood flow was measured prior to irradiation and then 8, 24, 48 and 72 h...

The effect of energy restriction on satiation an satiety in obese and lean men

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Blom, W.A.M.; Stafleu, A.; Hendriks, H.F.J.

2004-01-01

Aims: To investigate how time-blinded obese and lean men compensate for a 3-day energy-restrictive diet. Methods: Subjects were randomly put on a three-day energy-restrictive (ER) (67% energy restriction) and a three-day energy-balanced (EB) diet, with a washout period of one month. Both diets were

Subcutaneous absorption kinetics of two highly concentrated preparations of recombinant human growth hormone

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Laursen, Torben; Jørgensen, Jens Otto Lunde; Susgaard, Søren

1993-01-01

. There was a washout period of at least four weeks between the study periods. SETTING: Participants were recruited from an outpatient clinic and were hospitalized during the two study periods. PATIENTS: Fourteen GH-deficient patients (mean age 25.2 y, range 14-54). One patient was excluded from data analysis because...

Effect of short-term dietary administration of eugenol in humans

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Rompelberg, C.J.M.; Vogels, J.T.W.E.; Vogel, N. de; Bruijntjes-Rozier, G.C.D.M.; Stenhuis, W.H.; Bogaards, J.J.P.; Verhagen, H.

1996-01-01

1. In order to study the antigenotoxic potential of eugenol in humans, ten healthy non-smoking males ingested a daily amount of 150 mg eugenol or the placebo for seven consecutive days. After a washout period of one week, groups ingesting eugenol or the placebo were crossed and received the other

A Comparative Study of the Pharmacokinetics of Conventional and ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

... a commercial brand of aceclofenac immediate release tablet (Zerodol® 100 mg). Methods: Each of two groups of twelve fasting volunteers received either the reference standard (Zerodol 100 mg tablets) or the test formulation (200 mg aceclofenac) orally once, using a cross-over design with a one week wash-out period.

Design of climate respiration chambers, adjustable to the metabolic mass of subjects

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Heetkamp, M.J.W.; Alferink, S.J.J.; Zandstra, T.; Hendriks, P.; Brand, van den H.; Gerrits, W.J.J.

2015-01-01

Open-circuit respiration chambers can be used to measure gas exchange and to calculate heat production (Q) of humans and animals. When studying short-term changes in Q, the size of the respiration chamber in relation to the subject of study is a point of concern. The washout time of a chamber,

Changes in subcutaneous blood flow during locally applied negative pressure to the skin

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skagen, K; Henriksen, O

1983-01-01

The effect of locally applied subatmospheric pressure on subcutaneous blood flow was studied in 12 healthy subjects. Blood flow was measured on the forearm by the local 133Xe wash-out technique. Air suction between 10 mmHg and 250 mmHg was applied to the skin. Subatmospheric pressure of 20 mm...

Ambulatory measurement of nocturnal fluctuations in subcutaneous blood flow rate in the lower leg of man during 12-h periods with the portable CdTe(Cl) detector. Methodological considerations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sindrup, J H; Kastrup, J; Jørgensen, B

1991-01-01

Possible sources of error during long-term measurements of subcutaneous blood flow rate with the portable CdTe(Cl) detector system were ruled out in the present study. Local blood flow rates were recorded in the lower legs of normal human subjects by means of the 133Xe wash-out technique. A good ...

Effects of the BET-inhibitor, RVX-208 on the HDL lipidome and glucose metabolism in individuals with prediabetes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Siebel, Andrew L; Trinh, Si Khiang; Formosa, Melissa F

2016-01-01

(HDL lipidome) and glucose metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty unmedicated males with prediabetes received 100mg b.i.d. RVX-208 and placebo for 29-33days separated by a wash-out period in a randomized, cross-over design trial. Plasma HDL-cholesterol and apoA-I were assessed as well as lipoprotein...

Effect of contrast-enhanced ultrasound on differential diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and arterial phase enhanced hepatic inflammatory lesions

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Shanshan Yin; Qiuli Cui; Kun Yan; Wei Yang; Wei Wu; Liping Bao; Minhua Chen

2017-01-01

Objective:To investigate differential diagnosis between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and arterial phase enhanced hepatic inflammatory lesions in patients without liver cirrhosis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).Methods:ICC and hepatic inflammatory lesions cases with CEUS and pathological diagnosis between Sep 2013 and Oct 2016 were investigated retrospectively.Imaging features of conventional ultrasound and CEUS were analyzed.The parameters of time intensity curve (TIC),including the arrival time,peak intensity (PI) in the lesions,the starting time for washout,and the intensity difference at 3 min (△I3) after contrast agent infection between the lesion and the liver parenchyma,were compared between ICC and hepatic inflammatory lesions.Results:Twenty-five ICC and fifteen inflammatory patients were included in this study.Seventeen ICC (68.0％) and two inflammatory cases (13.3％) showed bile duct dilatation on conventional ultrasound.Using CEUS,three ICC cases (12.0％) were misdiagnosed as inflammatory lesions and three inflammatory lesions (20.0％) as ICC;two ICC (8.0％) and one inflammatory case (6.7％) could not be made definite diagnosis.Washout started at 34.5±3.5 s and 61.5± 12.9 s for ICC and inflammatory lesions respectively (P＜0.001).The intensity difference between lesion and liver parenchyma at 3 min after contrast agent injection was 10.8±3.1 dB in ICC and 4.2±2.3 dB in inflammatory group (P＜0.00 1).The sensitivity and specificity differentiating ICC and inflammatory lesions were 76％ and 87％ if the cut-offvalue of the intensity difference was 7.7 dB.Conclusions:Combined with TIC analysis,and particularly with the characteristic of the early-starting and obvious washout in ICC,CEUS can be useful in differential diagnosis between hepatic inflammatory lesions and ICC.

Combination Therapy of All-Trans Retinoic Acid With Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Human Pilot Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Assis, David N; Abdelghany, Osama; Cai, Shi-Ying; Gossard, Andrea A; Eaton, John E; Keach, Jill C; Deng, Yanhong; Setchell, Kenneth D R; Ciarleglio, Maria; Lindor, Keith D; Boyer, James L

2017-02-01

To perform an exploratory pilot study of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combined with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). PSC is a progressive disorder for which there is no accepted therapy. Studies in human hepatocyte cultures and in animal models of cholestasis indicate that ATRA might have beneficial effects in cholestatic disorders. ATRA (45 mg/m/d, divided and given twice daily) was combined with moderate-dose UDCA in patients with PSC who had incomplete response to UDCA monotherapy. The combination was administered for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week washout in which patients returned to UDCA monotherapy. We measured alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, cholesterol, bile acids, and the bile acid intermediate 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) at baseline, week 12, and after washout. Fifteen patients completed 12 weeks of therapy. The addition of ATRA to UDCA reduced the median serum ALP levels (277±211 to 243±225 U/L, P=0.09) although this, the primary endpoint, did not reach significance. In contrast, median serum ALT (76±55 to 46±32 U/L, P=0.001) and C4 (9.8±19 to 7.9±11 ng/mL, P=0.03) levels significantly decreased. After washout, ALP and C4 levels nonsignificantly increased, whereas ALT levels significantly increased (46±32 to 74±74, P=0.0006), returning to baseline. In this human pilot study, the combination of ATRA and UDCA did not achieve the primary endpoint (ALP); however, it significantly reduced ALT and the bile acid intermediate C4. ATRA appears to inhibit bile acid synthesis and reduce markers of inflammation, making it a potential candidate for further study in PSC (NCT 01456468).

Dual-Energy CT in Enhancing Subdural Effusions that Masquerade as Subdural Hematomas: Diagnosis with Virtual High-Monochromatic (190-keV) Images.

Science.gov (United States)

Bodanapally, U K; Dreizin, D; Issa, G; Archer-Arroyo, K L; Sudini, K; Fleiter, T R

2017-10-01

Extravasation of iodinated contrast into subdural space following contrast-enhanced radiographic studies results in hyperdense subdural effusions, which can be mistaken as acute subdural hematomas on follow-up noncontrast head CTs. Our aim was to identify the factors associated with contrast-enhancing subdural effusion, characterize diffusion and washout kinetics of iodine in enhancing subdural effusion, and assess the utility of dual-energy CT in differentiating enhancing subdural effusion from subdural hematoma. We retrospectively analyzed follow-up head dual-energy CT studies in 423 patients with polytrauma who had undergone contrast-enhanced whole-body CT. Twenty-four patients with enhancing subdural effusion composed the study group, and 24 randomly selected patients with subdural hematoma were enrolled in the comparison group. Postprocessing with syngo.via was performed to determine the diffusion and washout kinetics of iodine. The sensitivity and specificity of dual-energy CT for the diagnosis of enhancing subdural effusion were determined with 120-kV, virtual monochromatic energy (190-keV) and virtual noncontrast images. Patients with enhancing subdural effusion were significantly older (mean, 69 years; 95% CI, 60-78 years; P subdural effusions was reached within the first 8 hours of contrast administration with a mean of 0.98 mg/mL (95% CI, 0.81-1.13 mg/mL), and complete washout was achieved at 38 hours. For the presence of a hyperdense subdural collection on 120-kV images with a loss of hyperattenuation on 190-keV and virtual noncontrast images, when considered as a true-positive for enhancing subdural effusion, the sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 85.75%-100%) and the specificity was 91.67% (95% CI, 73%-99%). Dual-energy CT has a high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating enhancing subdural effusion from subdural hematoma. Hence, dual-energy CT has a potential to obviate follow-up studies. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Apparent diffusion coefficient values and dynamic contrast enhancement patterns in differentiating seminomas from nonseminomatous testicular neoplasms

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tsili, Athina C., E-mail: a_tsili@yahoo.gr [Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Sylakos, Anastasios, E-mail: anasylakos@yahoo.gr [Department of Urology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Ntorkou, Alexandra, E-mail: alexdorkou@yahoo.com [Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Stavrou, Sotirios, E-mail: s.sotiris@yahoo.gr [Department of Urology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Astrakas, Loukas G., E-mail: astrakas@uoi.gr [Department of Medical Physics, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Sofikitis, Nikolaos, E-mail: akrosnin@hotmail.com [Department of Urology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece); Argyropoulou, Maria I., E-mail: margyrop@cc.uoi.gr [Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina (Greece)

2015-07-15

Highlights: • Functional MRI in the characterization of testicular germ cell tumors was assessed. • ADC values proved useful in the characterization of testicular germ cell tumors. • Testicular germ cell tumors had similar enhancement patterns of dynamic MRI. - Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) patterns in differentiating seminomas from nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). Materials and methods: The MRI examinations of the scrotum of 26 men with histologically proven testicular GCTs were reviewed. DWI was performed in all patients, using a single shot, multi-slice spin-echo planar diffusion pulse sequence and b-values of 0 and 900 s/mm{sup 2}. Subtraction DCE-MRI was performed in 20 cases using a 3D fast-field echo sequence after gadolinium administration. Time-signal intensity curves were created and semi-quantitative parameters (peak enhancement, time to peak, wash-in and wash-out rate) were calculated. The Student's t-test was used to compare the mean values of ADC, peak enhancement, time to peak, wash-in and wash-out rate between seminomas and NSGCTs. ROC analysis was also performed. Results: Histopathology disclosed the presence of 15 seminomas and 11 NSGCTs. The mean ± s.d. of ADC values (× 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/s) of seminomas (0.59 ± 0.009) were significantly lower than those of NSGCTs (0.90 ± 0.33) (P = 0.01). The optimal ADC cut-off value was 0.68 × 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/s. No differences between the two groups were observed for peak enhancement (P = 0.18), time to peak (P = 0.63) wash-in rate (P = 0.32) and wash-out rate (P = 0.18). Conclusions: ADC values may be used to preoperatively differentiate seminomas from NSGCTs.

Kinetic analysis of 18F-fluorodihydrorotenone as a deposited myocardial flow tracer: Comparison to thallium-201.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marshall, Robert C.; Powers-Risius, Patricia; Reutter, Bryan W.; O' Neil, James P.; La Belle, Michael; Huesman, Ronald H.; VanBrocklin, Henry F.

2004-03-01

The goal of this investigation was to assess the accuracy of 18F-fluorodihydrorotenone (18F-FDHR) as a new deposited myocardial flow tracer and compare the results to those for 201Tl. Methods. The kinetics of these flow tracers were evaluated in 22 isolated, erythrocyte- and albumin-perfused rabbit hearts over a flow range encountered in patients. The two flow tracers plus a vascular reference tracer (131I-albumin) were introduced as a bolus through a port just above the aortic cannula. Myocardial extraction, retention, washout, and uptake parameters were computed from the venous outflow curves using the multiple indicator dilution technique and spectral analysis. Results. The mean initial extraction fractions of 18F-FDHR (0.85 +- 0.07) and 201Tl (0.87 +- 0.05) were not significantly different, although the initial extraction fraction for 18F-FDHR declined with flow (P < 0.0001), whereas the initial extraction fraction of 201Tl did not. Washout of 201Tl was faster (P < 0.001) and more affected by flow (P < 0.05) than 18F-FDHR washout. Except for initial extraction fraction, 18F-FDHR retention was greater (P < 0.001) and less affected by flow (P < 0.05) than 201Tl retention. Reflecting its superior retention, net uptake of 18F-FDHR was better correlated with flow than 201Tl uptake at both one and fifteen minutes after tracer introduction (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Conclusion. The superior correlation of 18F-FDHR uptake with flow indicates that it is a better flow tracer than 201Tl in the isolated rabbit heart. Compared to the other currently available positron-emitting flow tracers (82Rb, 13N-ammonia, and 15O-water), 18F-FDHR has the potential of providing excellent image resolution without the need for an on-site cyclotron.

Large-Scale Covariability Between Aerosol and Precipitation Over the 7-SEAS Region: Observations and Simulations

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Jingfeng; Hsu, N. Christina; Tsay, Si-Chee; Zhang, Chidong; Jeong, Myeong Jae; Gautam, Ritesh; Bettenhausen, Corey; Sayer, Andrew M.; Hansell, Richard A.; Liu, Xiaohong;

Apparent diffusion coefficient values and dynamic contrast enhancement patterns in differentiating seminomas from nonseminomatous testicular neoplasms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsili, Athina C.; Sylakos, Anastasios; Ntorkou, Alexandra; Stavrou, Sotirios; Astrakas, Loukas G.; Sofikitis, Nikolaos; Argyropoulou, Maria I.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Functional MRI in the characterization of testicular germ cell tumors was assessed. • ADC values proved useful in the characterization of testicular germ cell tumors. • Testicular germ cell tumors had similar enhancement patterns of dynamic MRI. - Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) patterns in differentiating seminomas from nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). Materials and methods: The MRI examinations of the scrotum of 26 men with histologically proven testicular GCTs were reviewed. DWI was performed in all patients, using a single shot, multi-slice spin-echo planar diffusion pulse sequence and b-values of 0 and 900 s/mm 2 . Subtraction DCE-MRI was performed in 20 cases using a 3D fast-field echo sequence after gadolinium administration. Time-signal intensity curves were created and semi-quantitative parameters (peak enhancement, time to peak, wash-in and wash-out rate) were calculated. The Student's t-test was used to compare the mean values of ADC, peak enhancement, time to peak, wash-in and wash-out rate between seminomas and NSGCTs. ROC analysis was also performed. Results: Histopathology disclosed the presence of 15 seminomas and 11 NSGCTs. The mean ± s.d. of ADC values (× 10 −3 mm 2 /s) of seminomas (0.59 ± 0.009) were significantly lower than those of NSGCTs (0.90 ± 0.33) (P = 0.01). The optimal ADC cut-off value was 0.68 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s. No differences between the two groups were observed for peak enhancement (P = 0.18), time to peak (P = 0.63) wash-in rate (P = 0.32) and wash-out rate (P = 0.18). Conclusions: ADC values may be used to preoperatively differentiate seminomas from NSGCTs

Numerical model for a watering plan to wash out organic matter from the municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash layer in closed system disposal facilities.

Science.gov (United States)

Ishii, Kazuei; Furuichi, Toru; Tanikawa, Noboru

2009-02-01

Bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) is a main type of waste that is landfilled in Japan. The long-term elution of organic matter from the MSWI bottom ash layers is a concern because maintenance and operational costs of leachate treatment facilities are high. In closed system disposal facilities (CSDFs), which have a roof to prevent rainfall from infiltrating into the waste layers, water must be supplied artificially and its quantity can be controlled. However, the quantity of water needed and how to apply it (the intensity, period and frequency) have not been clearly defined. In order to discuss an effective watering plan, this study proposes a new washout model to clarify a fundamental mechanism of total organic carbon (TOC) elution behavior from MSWI bottom ash layers. The washout model considers three phases: solid, immobile water and mobile water. The parameters, including two mass transfer coefficients of the solid-immobile water phases and immobile-mobile water phases, were determined by one-dimensional column experiments for about 2 years. The intensity, period and frequency of watering and other factors were discussed based on a numerical analysis using the above parameters. As a result, our washout model explained adequately the elution behavior of TOC from the MSWI bottom ash layer before carbonation occurred (pH approximately 8.3). The determined parameters and numerical analysis suggested that there is a possibility that the minimum amount of water needed for washing out TOC per unit weight of MSWI bottom ash layer could be determined, which depends on the two mass transfer coefficients and the depth of the MSWI bottom ash layer. Knowledge about the fundamental mechanism of the elution behavior of TOC from the MSWI bottom ash layer before carbonation occurs, clarified by this study, will help an effective watering plan in CSDFs.

2D ultrasonography and contrast enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome in a patient with refractory celiac disease and enteropathy T cell lymphoma

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pojoga Cristina

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome (CMLNS is a rare manifestation of celiac disease, with an estimated mortality rate of 50%. Specific infections and malignant lymphoma may complicate its clinical course and contribute to its poor prognosis. Diagnosing the underlying cause of CMLNS can be challenging. This is the first report on contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS findings in enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL complicating CMLNS in a gluten-free compliant patient with persistent symptoms and poor outcome. Case presentation We present the case of a 51-year old Caucasian male patient, diagnosed with celiac disease and CMLNS. Despite his compliance to the gluten-free diet the symptoms persisted and we eventually considered the possible development of malignancy. No mucosal changes suggestive of lymphoma were identified with capsule endoscopy. Low attenuation mesenteric lymphadenopathy, without enlarged small bowel segments were seen on computed tomography. CEUS revealed arterial rim enhancement around the necrotic mesenteric lymph nodes, without venous wash-out. No malignant cells were identified on laparoscopic mesenteric lymph nodes biopsies. The patient died due to fulminant liver failure 14 months later; the histopathological examination revealed CD3/CD30-positive atypical T-cell lymphocytes in the liver, mesenteric tissue, spleen, gastric wall, kidney, lung and bone marrow samples; no malignant cells were present in the small bowel samples. Conclusions CEUS findings in EATL complicating CMLNS include arterial rim enhancement of the mesenteric tissue around the cavitating lymph nodes, without venous wash-out. This vascular pattern is not suggestive for neoangiogenesis, as arteriovenous shunts from malignant tissues are responsible for rapid venous wash-out of the contrast agent. CEUS failed to provide a diagnosis in this case.

Cervical lymph node metastases from thyroid cancer: does thyroglobulin and calcitonin measurement in fine needle aspirates improve the diagnostic value of cytology?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Baldini Enke

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg protein in the washout of the needle used for fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology (FNAB-C has been shown to increase the sensitivity of FNAB-C in identifying cervical lymph node (CLN metastasis from well-differentiated thyroid cancer (TC. In this study, we evaluated whether routine measurement of Tg protein (FNAB-Tgp, Tg mRNA (FNAB-Tgm and calcitonin (CT mRNA (FNAB-CTm in the FNAB washout of CLN increases the accuracy of FNAB-C in the diagnosis of suspicious metastatic CLN. Methods In this prospective study 35 CLN from 28 patients were examined. Histology showed metastatic papillary TC (PTC in 26 CLN, metastatic medullary TC (MTC in 3 CLN, metastatic anaplastic TC (ATC in 3 CLN and 3 metastatic CLN from extra-thyroidal cancers. Results The overall accuracy of FNAB-C was 84.4%, reaching 95.7% when the analysis was restricted to PTC. Both FNAB-Tgp and FNAB-Tgm compared favorably with FNAB-C and shown diagnostic performances not statistically different from that of FNAB-C. However, FNAB-Tgp and FNAB-Tgm/FNAB-CTm were found useful in cases in which cytology results were inadequate or provided diagnosis inconsistent with patient's clinical parameters. Conclusions We demonstrated that FNAB-C, Tg/CT mRNA and Tg protein determination in the fine-needle washout showed similar accuracy in the diagnosis of metastatic CLN from TC. The results of this study suggest that samples for Tg protein and Tg/CT mRNA measurements from CLN suspicious for metastatic TC should be collected, but their measurements should be restricted to cases in which FNAB-C provides uninformative or inconsistent diagnosis with respect to patient's clinical parameters.

Cervical lymph node metastases from thyroid cancer: does thyroglobulin and calcitonin measurement in fine needle aspirates improve the diagnostic value of cytology?

Science.gov (United States)

2013-01-01

Background Measurement of thyroglobulin (Tg) protein in the washout of the needle used for fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology (FNAB-C) has been shown to increase the sensitivity of FNAB-C in identifying cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis from well-differentiated thyroid cancer (TC). In this study, we evaluated whether routine measurement of Tg protein (FNAB-Tgp), Tg mRNA (FNAB-Tgm) and calcitonin (CT) mRNA (FNAB-CTm) in the FNAB washout of CLN increases the accuracy of FNAB-C in the diagnosis of suspicious metastatic CLN. Methods In this prospective study 35 CLN from 28 patients were examined. Histology showed metastatic papillary TC (PTC) in 26 CLN, metastatic medullary TC (MTC) in 3 CLN, metastatic anaplastic TC (ATC) in 3 CLN and 3 metastatic CLN from extra-thyroidal cancers. Results The overall accuracy of FNAB-C was 84.4%, reaching 95.7% when the analysis was restricted to PTC. Both FNAB-Tgp and FNAB-Tgm compared favorably with FNAB-C and shown diagnostic performances not statistically different from that of FNAB-C. However, FNAB-Tgp and FNAB-Tgm/FNAB-CTm were found useful in cases in which cytology results were inadequate or provided diagnosis inconsistent with patient's clinical parameters. Conclusions We demonstrated that FNAB-C, Tg/CT mRNA and Tg protein determination in the fine-needle washout showed similar accuracy in the diagnosis of metastatic CLN from TC. The results of this study suggest that samples for Tg protein and Tg/CT mRNA measurements from CLN suspicious for metastatic TC should be collected, but their measurements should be restricted to cases in which FNAB-C provides uninformative or inconsistent diagnosis with respect to patient's clinical parameters. PMID:23421519

Evaluation of therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure by iodine-123 metaiodobenzyl-guanidine imaging. Comparison with heart rate variability power spectral analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Shou-lin; Ikeda, Jun; Takita, Tamotsu; Sekiguchi, Yohei; Demachi, Jun; Chikama, Hisao; Goto, Atsushi; Shirato, Kunio [Tohoku Univ., Sendai (Japan). School of Medicine

1998-11-01

The relationship between the myocardial uptake of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine ({sup 123}I-MIBG) and heart rate variability parameters has not been determined. This study determined the relationship between the change in myocardial uptake of {sup 123}I-MIBG and improvement in left ventricular function after treatment, to determine the usefulness of {sup 123}I-MIBG imaging to assess the effect of therapy on heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). {sup 123}I-MIBG imaging and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability were performed before and after treatment in 17 patients with heart failure due to DCM. The following parameters were compared before and after treatment: New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, radiographic cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), blood pressure, echocardiographic data (left ventricular end-systolic (LVDs) and end-diastolic (LVDd) diameters, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)), plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine, heart rate variability power spectral analysis data (mean low frequency (MLF) and high frequency power (MHF)) and the myocardium to mediastinum activity ratio (MYO/M) obtained in early and late images, and washout rate calculated by anterior planar imaging of {sup 123}I-MIBG. The NYHA functional class, LVEF, LVDs, CTR, MLF and MHF improved after treatment. Early MYO/M and late MYO/M improved after treatment. The rate of increase in late MYO/M was positively correlated with the rate of improvement of LVEF after treatment. Furthermore, the late MYO/M was negatively correlated with MLF. Washout rate revealed no correlation with hemodynamic parameters. These findings suggest that late MYO/M is more useful than washout rate to assess the effect of treatment on heart failure due to DCM. Furthermore, the {sup 123}I-MIBG imaging and heart rate variability parameters are useful to assess the autonomic tone in DCM with heart failure. (author)

Evaluation of therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure by iodine-123 metaiodobenzyl-guanidine imaging. Comparison with heart rate variability power spectral analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Shou-lin; Ikeda, Jun; Takita, Tamotsu; Sekiguchi, Yohei; Demachi, Jun; Chikama, Hisao; Goto, Atsushi; Shirato, Kunio

1998-01-01

The relationship between the myocardial uptake of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine ( 123 I-MIBG) and heart rate variability parameters has not been determined. This study determined the relationship between the change in myocardial uptake of 123 I-MIBG and improvement in left ventricular function after treatment, to determine the usefulness of 123 I-MIBG imaging to assess the effect of therapy on heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 123 I-MIBG imaging and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability were performed before and after treatment in 17 patients with heart failure due to DCM. The following parameters were compared before and after treatment: New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, radiographic cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), blood pressure, echocardiographic data (left ventricular end-systolic (LVDs) and end-diastolic (LVDd) diameters, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)), plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine, heart rate variability power spectral analysis data (mean low frequency (MLF) and high frequency power (MHF)) and the myocardium to mediastinum activity ratio (MYO/M) obtained in early and late images, and washout rate calculated by anterior planar imaging of 123 I-MIBG. The NYHA functional class, LVEF, LVDs, CTR, MLF and MHF improved after treatment. Early MYO/M and late MYO/M improved after treatment. The rate of increase in late MYO/M was positively correlated with the rate of improvement of LVEF after treatment. Furthermore, the late MYO/M was negatively correlated with MLF. Washout rate revealed no correlation with hemodynamic parameters. These findings suggest that late MYO/M is more useful than washout rate to assess the effect of treatment on heart failure due to DCM. Furthermore, the 123 I-MIBG imaging and heart rate variability parameters are useful to assess the autonomic tone in DCM with heart failure. (author)

Sympathetic reflex control of subcutaneous blood flow in tetraplegic man during postural changes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skagen, K; Jensen, K; Henriksen, O

1982-01-01

1. The effect of head-up tilt upon subcutaneous blood flow in the distal arm and leg was studied in 12 patients with complete traumatic spinal cord transection at the cervical level. 2. Blood flow was measured by the local 133Xe washout technique. 3. Leg lowering induced a 47% decrease in blood f...

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 mediated prostaglandin release regulates blood flow in connective tissue during mechanical loading in humans

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Langberg, H; Boushel, Robert Christopher; Skovgaard, D

2003-01-01

prior to the experiment) or COX unspecific (n = 8, indomethacin 100 mg (12 and 1 h pre-experiment) and acetyl salicylic acid 500 mg day-1 for 3 days pre-experiment). Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration was determined by microdialysis and blood flow by 133Xe washout. In C, interstitial PGE2 rose from...

Differences in the behaviour of HTO and H2O in soil after condensation from the atmosphere and conversion of HT to HTO and OBT in soil relative to moisture content and pore volume

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bunnenberg, C.; Feinhals, J.; Wiener, B.

1986-01-01

Theoretical considerations and field and soil column experiments have identified the condensation of atmospheric water vapour as an additional process in the HTO contamination of soils. In contrast to wash-out, where tritium concentrations of the deposited water are the same as in the falling drops, the specific activity of the condensed water is increased compared with that of the atmospheric humidity, when the partial vapour pressure gradient of HTO between atmosphere and soil is higher than the H 2 O pressure gradient. With respect to HTO deposition, condensation may therefore be more effective per unit precipitation than wash-out. Experiments on the conversion rates of HT to HTO and OBT in soils have exhibited a pronounced dependence on moisture content and free pore volume. With rising moisture content, conversion increases due to enhanced bacterial action; while close to field capacity a decrease occurs as a result of restricted HT diffusion through the soil pores. In short-term experiments about 0.1% of the converted HT was found in the OBT form. (author)

Sex differences in the tracer distribution on stress thallium-201 imaging, (1)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tamaki, Nagara; Koda, Hideki; Adachi, Yukihide; Sugihara, Takao; Kato, Mihoko; Tanaka, Nobuyuki; Tamari, Kimimasa.

1988-01-01

To determine the sex differences in the tracer distribution on stress thallium-201 imaging, the studies of 18 normal males and 18 normal females were subjected to quantitative circumferential profile analysis in each projection image. Although the exercise duration was shorter in females (11±3 min) than in males (14±3 min) (p<0.01), the peak heart rate, peak systolic pressure and the lung-to-myocardial count ratio were similar between them. The averaged profile curves in female showed a significant reduction in tracer uptake in anterior and upper septal regions, particularly in the study of lateral view, which may be attributed to breast attenuation. In addition, the percent washout of thallium in 3 hours was higher in females (48±8%) than in males (43±7%) (p<0.01), particularly in the study of anterior view. We conclude that important differences in the pattern of thallium uptake and washout between males and females should be considered for interpretation of stress thallium imaging. (author)

Physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of chitosan oligosaccharide/gelatin/calcium phosphate hybrid cements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chiang, Ting-Yi [Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan (China); Ho, Chia-Che [Institute of Oral Biology and Biomaterials Science, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan (China); Chen, David Chan-Hen [Institute of Veterinary Microbiology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan (China); Lai, Meng-Heng [Institute of Oral Biology and Biomaterials Science, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan (China); Ding, Shinn-Jyh, E-mail: sjding@csmu.edu.tw [Institute of Oral Biology and Biomaterials Science, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan (China); Department of Dentistry, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan (China)

2010-04-15

A bone substitute material was developed consisting of a chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) solution in a liquid phase and gelatin (GLT) containing calcium phosphate powder in a solid phase. The physicochemical and biocompatible properties of the hybrid cements were evaluated. The addition of COS to cement did not affect the setting time or diametral tensile strength of the hybrid cements, whereas GLT significantly prolonged the setting time and decreased the strength slightly. The setting reaction was inhibited by the addition of GLT to the initial mixture, but not by COS. However, the presence of GLT appreciably improved the anti-washout properties of the hybrid cement compared with COS. COS may promote the cement's biocompatibility as an approximate twofold increase in cell proliferation for 10% COS-containing cements was observed on day 3 as compared with the controls. The combination of GLT and COS was chosen due to the benefits achieved from several synergistic effects and for their clinical applications. Cement with 5% GLT and 10% COS may be a better choice among cements in terms of anti-washout properties and biological activity.

Blueberry effects on dark vision and recovery after photobleaching: placebo-controlled crossover studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Kalt, Wilhelmina; McDonald, Jane E; Fillmore, Sherry A E; Tremblay, Francois

2014-11-19

Clinical evidence for anthocyanin benefits in night vision is controversial. This paper presents two human trials investigating blueberry anthocyanin effects on dark adaptation, functional night vision, and vision recovery after retinal photobleaching. One trial, S2 (n = 72), employed a 3 week intervention and a 3 week washout, two anthocyanin doses (271 and 7.11 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents (C3g eq)), and placebo. The other trial, L1 (n = 59), employed a 12 week intervention and an 8 week washout and tested one dose (346 mg C3g eq) and placebo. In both S2 and L1 neither dark adaptation nor night vision was improved by anthocyanin intake. However, in both trials anthocyanin consumption hastened the recovery of visual acuity after photobleaching. In S2 both anthocyanin doses were effective (P = 0.014), and in L1 recovery was improved at 8 weeks (P = 0.027) and 12 weeks (P = 0.030). Although photobleaching recovery was hastened by anthocyanins, it is not known whether this improvement would have an impact on everyday vision.

A full-scale UASB reactor for treatment of pig and cattle slaughterhouse wastewater with a high oil and grease content

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. A. S. Miranda

2005-12-01

Full Text Available This paper discusses the performance of an 800m³ full-scale UASB reactor in treating meat-packing plant and slaughterhouse effluents containing high concentrations of oil and grease (O&G (413-645 mg/L, resulting in a COD/O&G ratio of 26-32%. Those macromolecules were considered responsible for the unbalance of the system resulting in a total washout of the biomass. The removal of O&G from the influent using a physicochemical system (coagulation-flocculation improved the physical characteristics of the anaerobic sludge, controlling the biomass washout. Reactor performance was significantly improved when the COD/O&G ratio influent was maintained in the 10%. The COD and O&G removal rates obtained after implantation of the physicochemical system were 70-92% and 27-58%, respectively. The specific methanogenic activity (SMA of the biomass shows towards a tendency stabilisation and adaptation to the substrate influent. Pretreatment of the influent allowed the maximum organic load to be increased (1.46 to 2.43 Kg COD/m³.d and improved the quality of the effluent.

Lactitol, a second-generation disaccharide for treatment of chronic portal-systemic encephalopathy. A double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Uribe, M; Toledo, H; Perez, F; Vargas, F; Gil, S; Garcia-Ramos, G; Ravelli, G P; Guevara, L

1987-12-01

A double-blind crossover trial was performed to test the therapeutic usefulness and safety of lactitol, a beta-galactoside sorbitol, against lactose in 18 patients with chronic portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). The study included four periods: two for washout and two for lactitol and lactose administration. During washout periods, which lasted two weeks each, patients were stabilized with neomycin plus milk of magnesia. Lactitol and lactose were administered during four weeks each. Ten patients were randomly assigned to receive lactose (group A) and eight patients to receive lactitol (group B) first. PSE parameters, ie, mental state, number connection test performance, asterixis and blood ammonia levels were assessed fortnightly. Electroencephalographic tracings and stool pHs were evaluated at the end of each study period. After the first administration of lactose and lactitol, no statistically significant differences in PSE parameters were found. At the same stage, a significant stool acidification (P less than 0.05) was detected. It is concluded that lactitol seems to be safe and efficacious in treating patients with chronic PSE.

Iodine-123 labelled N-(2-fluoroethyl)-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane for dopamine transporter imaging in the living human brain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kuikka, J.T.; AAkerman, K.; Bergstroem, K.A.; Karhu, J.; Hiltunen, J.; Haukka, J.; Heikkinen, J.; Tiihonen, J.; Wang, S.; Neumeyer, J.L.

1995-01-01

Here we report a pilot comparison of [ 123 I]β-CIT and [ 123 I]β-CIT-FP with a new tropane derivative, [ 123 I]N-(2-fluoroethyl)-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([ 123 I]β-CIT-FE), using SPET imaging in four healthy male subjects. Peak uptake of [ 123 I]β-CIT-FE into the basal ganglia occurred very rapidly (0.5 h after injection of tracer), after which the striatal washout obeyed a bi-exponential form. The specific DAT binding of [ 123 I]β-CIT-FE into the basal ganglia was somewhat less (0.785±0.117) than that of [ 123 I]β-CIT (0.922±0.004) or [ 123 I]β-CIT-FP (0.813±0.047). All these tracers have excellent imaging quality in healthy control subjects. However, the relatively fast washout of [ 123 I]β-CIT-FE and low temporal resolution of older SPET cameras may limit the use of this tracer to the measurement of the DAT density. (orig./UG)

Iodine-123 labelled N-(2-fluoroethyl)-2{beta}-carbomethoxy-3{beta}-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane for dopamine transporter imaging in the living human brain

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kuikka, J.T. [Dept. of Clinical Physiology, Kuopio Univ. Hospital (Finland); AAkerman, K. [Dept. of Clinical Physiology, Kuopio Univ. Hospital (Finland); Bergstroem, K.A. [Dept. of Clinical Physiology, Kuopio Univ. Hospital (Finland); Karhu, J. [Dept. of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio Univ. Hospital (Finland); Hiltunen, J. [MAP Medical Technologies Oy, Tikkakoski (Finland); Haukka, J. [MAP Medical Technologies Oy, Tikkakoski (Finland); Heikkinen, J. [Dept. of Clinical Physiology, Kuopio Univ. Hospital (Finland); Tiihonen, J. [Dept. of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio (Finland); Wang, S. [Research Biochemical International (RBI), Natick, MA (United States); Neumeyer, J.L. [Research Biochemical International (RBI), Natick, MA (United States)

1995-07-01

Here we report a pilot comparison of [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT and [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT-FP with a new tropane derivative, [{sup 123}I]N-(2-fluoroethyl)-2{beta}-carbomethoxy-3{beta}-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT-FE), using SPET imaging in four healthy male subjects. Peak uptake of [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT-FE into the basal ganglia occurred very rapidly (0.5 h after injection of tracer), after which the striatal washout obeyed a bi-exponential form. The specific DAT binding of [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT-FE into the basal ganglia was somewhat less (0.785{+-}0.117) than that of [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT (0.922{+-}0.004) or [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT-FP (0.813{+-}0.047). All these tracers have excellent imaging quality in healthy control subjects. However, the relatively fast washout of [{sup 123}I]{beta}-CIT-FE and low temporal resolution of older SPET cameras may limit the use of this tracer to the measurement of the DAT density. (orig./UG)

Determination of trifluoroacetic acid in 1996--1997 precipitation and surface waters in California and Nevada

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wujcik, C.E.; Cahill, T.M.; Seiber, J.N. [Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States)

1999-05-15

The atmospheric degradation of three chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) replacement compounds, namely HFC-134a, HCFC-123, and HCFC-124, results in the formation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Concentrations of TFA were determined in precipitation and surface water samples collected in California and Nevada during 1996--1997. Terminal lake systems were found to have concentrations 4--13 times higher than their calculated yearly inputs, providing evidence for accumulation. The results support dry deposition as the primary contributor of TFA to surface waters in arid and semiarid environments. Precipitation samples obtained from three different locations contained 20.7--1530 ng/L with significantly higher concentrations in fogwater over rainwater. Elevated levels of TFA were observed for rainwater collected in Nevada over those collected in California, indicating continual uptake and concentration as clouds move from a semiarid to arid climate. Thus several mechanisms exist, including evaporative concentration, vapor-liquid phase partitioning, lowered washout volumes of atmospheric deposition water, and dry deposition, which may lead to elevated concentrations of TFA in atmospheric and surface waters above levels expected from usual rainfall washout.

The clinical value of chest pain during thallium-201 scintigraphy with dipyridamole

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeishi, Yasuchika; Tono-oka, Ichiro; Meguro, Mitsuhiko; Hoshi, Hikaru; Yamaguchi, Yoshiko; Masakane, Ikuto; Tsuiki, Kai; Yasui, Shoji

1990-01-01

Sixty patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent both dipyridamole-loaded thallium-201 scintigraphy and cardiac catheterization. Thirty four patients (57%) developed chest pain during dipyridamole stress testing (the pain group), and the other 26 did not (the no-pain group). Regarding sex, age, history of myocardial infarction, and the presence of coronary artery disease, there was no difference between the pain and no-pain groups. The pain group had significantly increased pulse rate and rate-pressure-product, as compared with the no-pain group. ST depression was more frequently observed in the pain group than the no-pain group. There was no significant difference in the angiographic involvement and the severity of coronary artery disease between the two groups. Nor was there significant difference in dipyridamole-loaded scintigraphic findings, such as defect size, and the extent and degree of decreased washout. However, for patients without a history of myocardial infarction, the pain group had a farther decreased washout than the no-pain group. Chest pain associated with iv injection of dipyridamole may have implications for the occurrence of serious ischemia. (N.K.)

Myocardial imaging with 99mTc-Tetrofosmin: Influence of post-stress acquisition time, regional radiotracer uptake, and wall motion abnormalities on the clinical result.

Science.gov (United States)

Giorgetti, Assuero; Kusch, Annette; Casagranda, Mirta; Tagliavia, Irene D'Aragona; Marzullo, Paolo

2010-04-01

We previously demonstrated that early (15', T1) post-stress myocardial imaging with Tetrofosmin could be more accurate than standard acquisitions (45', T2) in identifying coronary artery disease. To clarify this phenomenon, 120 subjects (age 61 +/- 10 years) with both T1 and T2 scans were divided into Group 1 (53/120 pts) with more ischemia at T1 vs T2 imaging (T1-T2SDS > or = 3); Group 2 (67/120 pts) with similar results (T1-T2SDS statistic and semiquantitative wall motion/thickening values were obtained. Analysis of T1 and T2 post-stress myocardial counts demonstrated a significant Tetrofosmin wash-out rate that was higher in Group 1 control nonischemic regions (15 +/- 8% vs 13.6 +/- 9.6%, P stress wall thickening (T1-T2) was lower in Group 1 ischemic regions (-4.5 +/- 9.15% vs -1.90 +/- 7.0%, P stress acquisition time because of ischemic-induced regional wall thickening abnormalities and the existence of a differential radiotracer myocardial wash-out.

Biodegradation of HT Agent from an Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA) Projectile Washout Study

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Guelta, Mark A

2006-01-01

In this study, HT agent, removed from a chemical round similar to the current stockpile stored at Pueblo Chemical Depot, was neutralized and the hydrolysate treated in a laboratory scale Immobilized Cell Bioreactor (ICB...

Effect of vitamin C on salivary superoxide dismutase activity in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

In the first phase, patients of one group took 500 mg of vitamin C powder, for 3 weeks. Then saliva of all patients was collected. After a one- week wash-out period, vitamin C was given to the other group. Collection of saliva was done after 3 weeks. SOD activity was measured. Statistic evaluation was performed by Repeated ...

Does an onion-enriched diet beneficially affect the microbiotal composition in healthy human subjects?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bergström, Anders; Borg, Birgitte; Marin, Eduvigis Roldán

enriched diet and one non-enriched supplemented diet in a double-blinded crossover design with a 25 days wash-out period in between. Six of the subjects delivered fecal samples on the last two days before starting on the diet and on the two last days of the 14 day diet. Total DNA was isolated from...

Parathyroid scintigraphy during hypocalcaemia in primary hyperparathyroidism

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Øgard, Christina G; Vestergaard, Henrik; Thomsen, Jørn B

2005-01-01

.3%. Then 700 MBq (99m)Tc-sestamibi was injected and another scintigram of the neck was obtained. Perchlorate was given at the end of the sestamibi scintigram to increase the wash-out of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate from the thyroid gland, and after 2 h a delayed scintigram was obtained. A subtraction of the thyroid...

No sign of decreased burrowing behavior in the genetically depressive flinders rats

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Baastrup, C. S.; Wegener, Gregers; Finnerup, N. B.

2012-01-01

outcome. Rats were trained in the procedure for 3 consecutive days. In a randomly allocated balanced cross-over design the rats were treated with saline 0.9% w/w, imipramin 15 mg/kg or citalopram-S 10 mg/kg 24, 6 and 1 hours before test start. A 2 day wash-out period were allowed between administrations...

Energetic diplomacy and its role on creation of a new multipolar world

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Igor Gelev

2016-01-01

Many of us would ask does this mean the reincarnation of the so called almost forgotten Cold War only now coming in such a shape that seems to be far more terrifying in character with a great deal of chance to impose the brink of a new world war and another humanitarian wash-out to humanity.

Relação entre imagem adrenérgica cardíaca e teste ergométrico na insuficiência cardíaca Relación entre imagen adrenérgica cardíaca y ergometría en la insuficiencia cardíaca Relationship between cardiac adrenergic image and exercise testing in heart failure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leandro Rocha Messias

2011-05-01

Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: Na insuficiência cardíaca, o teste ergométrico (TE avalia capacidade funcional, um determinante de prognóstico. A cintilografia com I¹²³ MIBG mostra a ativação simpática cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre as variáveis do TE e as alterações da cintilografia com I¹²³ MIBG. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos 23 pacientes (FEVE 27%. Esses pacientes realizaram TE, onde foram analisadas: pressão arterial sistólica no pico do esforço (PASP, frequência cardíaca no pico do esforço (FCP, variação da pressão arterial sistólica intraesforço (Δ PAS, reserva cronotrópica e capacidade funcional em METs. Utilizaram-se para a análise estatística, o teste t de Student ou o teste U de Mann-Whitney, o coeficiente de Spearman e o coeficiente de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: A PASP (G1: 181,00 ± 28,01; G2: 153,27 ± 27,71, p = 0,027, a Δ PAS [G1: 64 (47,5-80,5; G2: 36 (25-47 mmHg, p = 0,015], a FCP (G1: 136,91 ± 19,66; G2: 118,45 ± 13,98 bpm, p = 0,018, a reserva cronotrópica (G1: 70,42 ± 17,94; G2: 49,47 ± 14,89%, p = 0,006 e a capacidade funcional [G1: 8,37 (6,47-10,27; G2: 4,42 (2,46-6,38 METs, p = 0,003] foram menores no G2. Houve correlação negativa entre taxa de Washout com PASP (r = -0,505, p = 0,014, Δ PAS (r = -0,493, p = 0,017 e capacidade funcional (r = -0,646, p = 0,001. Após regressão linear, PASP (r = -0,422, p = 0,016 e capacidade funcional (r = -0,804, p = 0,004 foram associadas com taxa de Washout. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca, PASP e capacidade funcional foram as varáveis mais associadas com a taxa de Washout.FUNDAMENTOS: En la Insuficiencia Cardíaca, la Ergometría (Test Ergométrico - TE evalúa la capacidad funcional, un determinante de pronóstico. El centellograma con I¹²³ MIBG muestra la activación simpática cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación entre las variables del TE y las alteraciones del centellograma con I¹²³ MIBG. MÉTODOS: Se

DCE-MRI using small-molecular and albumin-binding contrast agents in experimental carcinomas with different stromal content

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farace, Paolo; Merigo, Flavia; Fiorini, Silvia; Nicolato, Elena; Tambalo, Stefano; Daducci, Alessandro [Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Verona (Italy); Degrassi, Anna [Nerviano Medical Sciences Institute, Milan (Italy); Sbarbati, Andrea [Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Verona (Italy); Rubello, Domenico, E-mail: domenico.rubello@libero.it [Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics, Services of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ' S. Maria della Misericordia' Hospital, Viale Tre Martiri 140, 45100 Rovigo (Italy); Marzola, Pasquina [Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Verona (Italy)

2011-04-15

Objectives: To compare DCE-MRI experiments performed using a standard small-molecular (Gd-DTPA) and an albumin-binding (MS-325) contrast agent in two carcinoma models with different stromal content. Materials and methods: DU-145 or BXPC-3 cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. DCE-MRI was performed by a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA or MS-325 about 2 weeks after inoculation. For quantitative analysis a volume of interest was manually drawn over each tumor. To address the heterogeneous enhancement, each tumor volume was then divided into the 20% most-enhancing and the remaining 80% least-enhancing fractions. Mean tumor enhancement was calculated over these selected tumor volumes and compared between tumor groups and contrast agents. Maps of differential enhancement, peak enhancement and time-to-peak were used for visual evaluation. CD31 and VEGF immunohistochemistry were performed in excised tumors. Results: In the 80% least-enhancing volume, at late time points of the dynamic scan, the mean enhancement elicited by MS-325 was higher in BXPC-3 than in DU-145 tumors. In the 20% most-enhancing volume, using either contrast agents, significant difference between the two tumors types were observed only early, while at later time points of the dynamic scan the difference were obscured by the faster washout observed in the BXPC-3 tumors. Enhancement maps confirmed that BXPC-3 tumors were characterized by marked washout rate using either contrast agent, particularly in the higher enhancing peripheral rim. With MS-325 this washout pattern appeared to be specific to the BXPC-3 carcinomas, since it was not observed in the DU-145 tumors. Finally, in both tumor types, MS-325 produced significantly higher enhancement than Gd-DTPA in the late phase of the dynamic scan. Ex vivo analysis confirmed the marked presence of aberrant infiltrative stroma in BXPC-3 tumors, in which tumor vessels were embedded. In all tumors the central portion was less viable and less

DCE-MRI using small-molecular and albumin-binding contrast agents in experimental carcinomas with different stromal content.

Science.gov (United States)

Farace, Paolo; Merigo, Flavia; Fiorini, Silvia; Nicolato, Elena; Tambalo, Stefano; Daducci, Alessandro; Degrassi, Anna; Sbarbati, Andrea; Rubello, Domenico; Marzola, Pasquina

2011-04-01

To compare DCE-MRI experiments performed using a standard small-molecular (Gd-DTPA) and an albumin-binding (MS-325) contrast agent in two carcinoma models with different stromal content. DU-145 or BXPC-3 cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. DCE-MRI was performed by a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA or MS-325 about 2 weeks after inoculation. For quantitative analysis a volume of interest was manually drawn over each tumor. To address the heterogeneous enhancement, each tumor volume was then divided into the 20% most-enhancing and the remaining 80% least-enhancing fractions. Mean tumor enhancement was calculated over these selected tumor volumes and compared between tumor groups and contrast agents. Maps of differential enhancement, peak enhancement and time-to-peak were used for visual evaluation. CD31 and VEGF immunohistochemistry were performed in excised tumors. In the 80% least-enhancing volume, at late time points of the dynamic scan, the mean enhancement elicited by MS-325 was higher in BXPC-3 than in DU-145 tumors. In the 20% most-enhancing volume, using either contrast agents, significant difference between the two tumors types were observed only early, while at later time points of the dynamic scan the difference were obscured by the faster washout observed in the BXPC-3 tumors. Enhancement maps confirmed that BXPC-3 tumors were characterized by marked washout rate using either contrast agent, particularly in the higher enhancing peripheral rim. With MS-325 this washout pattern appeared to be specific to the BXPC-3 carcinomas, since it was not observed in the DU-145 tumors. Finally, in both tumor types, MS-325 produced significantly higher enhancement than Gd-DTPA in the late phase of the dynamic scan. Ex vivo analysis confirmed the marked presence of aberrant infiltrative stroma in BXPC-3 tumors, in which tumor vessels were embedded. In all tumors the central portion was less viable and less infiltrated by stromal tissue then the peripheral

DCE-MRI using small-molecular and albumin-binding contrast agents in experimental carcinomas with different stromal content

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farace, Paolo; Merigo, Flavia; Fiorini, Silvia; Nicolato, Elena; Tambalo, Stefano; Daducci, Alessandro [Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Verona (Italy); Degrassi, Anna [Nerviano Medical Sciences Institute, Milan (Italy); Sbarbati, Andrea [Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Verona (Italy); Rubello, Domenico [Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics, Services of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ' S. Maria della Misericordia' Hospital, Viale Tre Martiri 140, 45100 Rovigo (Italy); Marzola, Pasquina [Department of Morphological-Biomedical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Verona (Italy)

2011-04-15

Objectives: To compare DCE-MRI experiments performed using a standard small-molecular (Gd-DTPA) and an albumin-binding (MS-325) contrast agent in two carcinoma models with different stromal content. Materials and methods: DU-145 or BXPC-3 cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. DCE-MRI was performed by a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA or MS-325 about 2 weeks after inoculation. For quantitative analysis a volume of interest was manually drawn over each tumor. To address the heterogeneous enhancement, each tumor volume was then divided into the 20% most-enhancing and the remaining 80% least-enhancing fractions. Mean tumor enhancement was calculated over these selected tumor volumes and compared between tumor groups and contrast agents. Maps of differential enhancement, peak enhancement and time-to-peak were used for visual evaluation. CD31 and VEGF immunohistochemistry were performed in excised tumors. Results: In the 80% least-enhancing volume, at late time points of the dynamic scan, the mean enhancement elicited by MS-325 was higher in BXPC-3 than in DU-145 tumors. In the 20% most-enhancing volume, using either contrast agents, significant difference between the two tumors types were observed only early, while at later time points of the dynamic scan the difference were obscured by the faster washout observed in the BXPC-3 tumors. Enhancement maps confirmed that BXPC-3 tumors were characterized by marked washout rate using either contrast agent, particularly in the higher enhancing peripheral rim. With MS-325 this washout pattern appeared to be specific to the BXPC-3 carcinomas, since it was not observed in the DU-145 tumors. Finally, in both tumor types, MS-325 produced significantly higher enhancement than Gd-DTPA in the late phase of the dynamic scan. Ex vivo analysis confirmed the marked presence of aberrant infiltrative stroma in BXPC-3 tumors, in which tumor vessels were embedded. In all tumors the central portion was less viable and less

DCE-MRI using small-molecular and albumin-binding contrast agents in experimental carcinomas with different stromal content

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farace, Paolo; Merigo, Flavia; Fiorini, Silvia; Nicolato, Elena; Tambalo, Stefano; Daducci, Alessandro; Degrassi, Anna; Sbarbati, Andrea; Rubello, Domenico; Marzola, Pasquina

2011-01-01

Objectives: To compare DCE-MRI experiments performed using a standard small-molecular (Gd-DTPA) and an albumin-binding (MS-325) contrast agent in two carcinoma models with different stromal content. Materials and methods: DU-145 or BXPC-3 cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. DCE-MRI was performed by a bolus injection of Gd-DTPA or MS-325 about 2 weeks after inoculation. For quantitative analysis a volume of interest was manually drawn over each tumor. To address the heterogeneous enhancement, each tumor volume was then divided into the 20% most-enhancing and the remaining 80% least-enhancing fractions. Mean tumor enhancement was calculated over these selected tumor volumes and compared between tumor groups and contrast agents. Maps of differential enhancement, peak enhancement and time-to-peak were used for visual evaluation. CD31 and VEGF immunohistochemistry were performed in excised tumors. Results: In the 80% least-enhancing volume, at late time points of the dynamic scan, the mean enhancement elicited by MS-325 was higher in BXPC-3 than in DU-145 tumors. In the 20% most-enhancing volume, using either contrast agents, significant difference between the two tumors types were observed only early, while at later time points of the dynamic scan the difference were obscured by the faster washout observed in the BXPC-3 tumors. Enhancement maps confirmed that BXPC-3 tumors were characterized by marked washout rate using either contrast agent, particularly in the higher enhancing peripheral rim. With MS-325 this washout pattern appeared to be specific to the BXPC-3 carcinomas, since it was not observed in the DU-145 tumors. Finally, in both tumor types, MS-325 produced significantly higher enhancement than Gd-DTPA in the late phase of the dynamic scan. Ex vivo analysis confirmed the marked presence of aberrant infiltrative stroma in BXPC-3 tumors, in which tumor vessels were embedded. In all tumors the central portion was less viable and less

Optimizing Ventilation Distribution and Gas Exchange in Combat-Related Lung Injury Using Multifrequency Oscillation

Science.gov (United States)

2017-10-01

Fourier transform of the normalized time -varying Jacobian determinants. Figure 7 shows the distribution of strain amplitudes in a representative pig...we also acquired timed sequences of CT images during xenon wash-in and wash-out in each pig to assess regional ventilation distribution . Image...protocol in healthy subjects, and furthermore suggest noticeable qualitative differences in the distribution of xenon equilibration time constants

Short bowel patients treated for two years with glucagon-like Peptide 2: effects on intestinal morphology and absorption, renal function, bone and body composition, and muscle function

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jeppesen, P B; Lund, P; Gottschalck, I B

2009-01-01

offered, to eleven SBS patients keeping parenteral support constant. 72-hour nutritional balance studies were performed at baseline, weeks 13, 26, 52 during two years intermitted by an 8-week washout period. In addition, mucosal morphometrics, renal function (by creatinine clearance), body composition...... and electrolyte absorption at lower oral intakes. This was accompanied by a 28% improvement in creatinine clearance....

Determination of myocardial blood flow by videodensitometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erikson, U.; Helmius, G.; Hennig, K.; Johansson, L.; Enghoff, E.; Ruhn, G.

1981-01-01

Videodensitometry has hitherto been used as a tool for measuring regional blood flow in the kidneys and lungs by means of the well known Stewart Hamilton curve (wash-out) technique. This preliminary report suggests the possibility of using this method to measure coronary blood flow. Thirty-six patients, 29 of whom had angina pectoris, underwent videodensitometry in connection with coronary angiography. (orig.) [de

The role of glucocorticoids in sodium retention in cirrhotic patients

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Martin Højmark; Kristensen, Steffen Skott; Schaffalitzky de Muckadell, Ove B

2012-01-01

sodium retention evident in cirrhosis. The aim was to elucidate the role of glucocorticoids in sodium retention in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Methods. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was performed in nine patients with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. A washout....... Conclusion. These results indicate that endogenous glucocorticoids contribute to the sodium retention in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver....

Alteration of the enterohepatic recirculation of bile acids in rats after exposure to ionizing radiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scanff, P.; Souidi, M.; Grison, S.; Griffiths, N.M.; Gourmelon, P.

2004-01-01

The aim of this work was to study acute alterations of the enterohepatic recirculation (EHR) of bile acids 3 days after an 8-Gy radiation exposure in vivo in the rat by a washout technique. Using this technique in association with HPLC analysis, the EHR of the major individual bile acids was determined in control and irradiated animals. Ex vivo ileal taurocholate absorption was also studied in Ussing chambers. Major hepatic enzyme activities involved in bile acid synthesis were also measured. Measurements of bile acid intestinal content and intestinal absorption efficiency calculation from washout showed reduced intestinal absorption with significant differences from one bile acid to another: absorption of taurocholate and tauromuricholate was decreased, whereas absorption of the more hydrophobic taurochenodeoxycholate was increased, suggesting that intestinal passive diffusion was enhanced, whereas ileal active transport might be reduced. Basal hepatic secretion was increased only for taurocholate, in accordance with the marked increase of CYP8B1 activity in the liver. The results are clearly demonstrate that concomitantly with radiation-induced intestinal bile acid malabsorption, hepatic bile acid synthesis and secretion are also changed. A current working model for pathophysiological changes in enterohepatic recycling after irradiation is thus proposed. (author)

Tc-99m DTPA and Tc-99m DMSA renal scan findings in patients with congenital megacalyces and megaureter without urinary tract obstruction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahn, Byeong Cheol; Bae, Jin Ho; Jeong, Sin Young; Lee, Jae Tae; Lee, Kyu Bo

2003-01-01

A 10 days old male infant with congenital megacalyces and megaureter, diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonographic screening, underwent Tc-99m DTPA renal scan for evaluation of urinary tract patency, Tc-99m DMSA scan for evaluation of renal cortical damage. He also underwent intravenous urography(IVU) and renal ultrasonography. Tc-99m DTPA renal scan demonstrates intense tracer accumulation in enlarged both renal pelvocalyses and ureters, which rapidly washout diuretics administration. Tc-99m DMSA renal cortical scan shows no remarkable photon defect in both renal cortices and visible tracer uptake in both megaureter areas. Ultasonographic and IVU studies show enlarged both renal calyses and bullously dilated ureters, but no dilatation in renal pelvis. Follow up Tc-99m DTPA renal scan, performed at one year later, also reveals intense tracer accumulation in enlarged both urinary tracts which rapidly washout without diuretics, and shows no significant change compare to the previous Tc-99m DTPA renal scan. Urinary tract obstruction and renal cortical damage can be easily evaluated with Tc-99m DTPA and Tc-99m DMSA scans in patients with megacalyces and megaureter

Point-of-purchase price and education intervention to reduce consumption of sugary soft drinks.

Science.gov (United States)

Block, Jason P; Chandra, Amitabh; McManus, Katherine D; Willett, Walter C

2010-08-01

We investigated whether a price increase on regular (sugary) soft drinks and an educational intervention would reduce their sales. We implemented a 5-phase intervention at the Brigham and Women's Hospital cafeteria in Boston, Massachusetts. After posting existing prices of regular and diet soft drinks and water during baseline, we imposed several interventions in series: a price increase of 35% on regular soft drinks, a reversion to baseline prices (washout), an educational campaign, and a combination price and educational period. We collected data from a comparison site, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, also in Boston, for the final 3 phases. Sales of regular soft drinks declined by 26% during the price increase phase. This reduction in sales persisted throughout the study period, with an additional decline of 18% during the combination phase compared with the washout period. Education had no independent effect on sales. Analysis of the comparison site showed no change in regular soft drink sales during the study period. A price increase may be an effective policy mechanism to decrease sales of regular soda. Further multisite studies in varied populations are warranted to confirm these results.

Functional scintigraphy of pulmonary ventilation with 133Xe in juvenile scoliosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grau, M.; Leisner, B.; Rohloff, R.; Fink, U.; Moser, E.; Matzen, K.A.; Haeusinger, K.; Muenchen Univ.; Muenchen Univ.

1981-01-01

Twenty children with severe scoliosis underwent spirometry, chest X-ray and 133 Xe ventilation studies before surgical correction by the Harrington operation. By means of functional scintigraphy the relative distribution of the functional residual capacity (FRC) and the wash-out curves (3 min-retention without background correction, mean time constant, effectivity index after background correction) were analysed quantitatively. The chest X-ray and the single-breath-phase of the ventilation study remained mostly unchanged, whereas the shifting of the FRC distribution towards the lung of the concave side indicated in all cases a regional ventilation restriction of the convex side. In addition the analysis of the wash-out curves showed a regional impairment of the alveolar ventilation of the convex side which exceeded the shifting of FRC distribution. Even in the cases with normal spirometric values all scintigraphic parameters were slightly pathological, probably due to the decreased lung function caused by the scoliosis. The effectivity index taking into account the respiration frequency, the tidal volume, the FRC and the dead space, was found to be the most accurate and sensitive parameter for the evaluation of regional ventilation impairment. (orig.) [de

Measurement of regional hepatic blood flow by scintiphotosplenoportography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kashiwagi, T; Kimura, K; Kamada, T; Abe, H [Osaka Univ. (Japan). Dept. of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

1978-08-01

A new technique for estimating regional hepatic blood flow using the inert gas washout technique and scintillation camera following injection of /sup 133/Xe into the spleen is presented. This technique is easily, rapidly and repeatedly performed and permits the measurement of nutrient hepatic tissue blood flow. Measurement of regional hepatic blood flow in right and/or left lobes was performed in 28 patients. In all but one patient the right lobar flow value was equal to or greater than the left one. The right lobar flow was 86.20 +- 12.83 ml/100 gm/min in 3 patients without liver disease, 75.12 +- 14.54 ml/100 gm/min in 12 with chronic hepatitis and 51.24 +- 17.13 ml/100 gm/min in 11 with liver cirrhosis. This result suggests that hepatic tissue blood flow is significantly decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis. Scintillation camera images of initial xenon distribution in combination with monitor of washout curves over the liver also provide more information on the presence of extra- and intrahepatic shunts. Therefore, this technique appears to be clinically useful in evaluation of hemodynamic phenomena associated with liver diseases.

Tc-99m DTPA and Tc-99m DMSA renal scan findings in patients with congenital megacalyces and megaureter without urinary tract obstruction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ahn, Byeong Cheol; Bae, Jin Ho; Jeong, Sin Young; Lee, Jae Tae; Lee, Kyu Bo [Kyungpook National University Medical School, Daegu (Korea, Republic of)

2003-06-01

A 10 days old male infant with congenital megacalyces and megaureter, diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonographic screening, underwent Tc-99m DTPA renal scan for evaluation of urinary tract patency, Tc-99m DMSA scan for evaluation of renal cortical damage. He also underwent intravenous urography(IVU) and renal ultrasonography. Tc-99m DTPA renal scan demonstrates intense tracer accumulation in enlarged both renal pelvocalyses and ureters, which rapidly washout diuretics administration. Tc-99m DMSA renal cortical scan shows no remarkable photon defect in both renal cortices and visible tracer uptake in both megaureter areas. Ultasonographic and IVU studies show enlarged both renal calyses and bullously dilated ureters, but no dilatation in renal pelvis. Follow up Tc-99m DTPA renal scan, performed at one year later, also reveals intense tracer accumulation in enlarged both urinary tracts which rapidly washout without diuretics, and shows no significant change compare to the previous Tc-99m DTPA renal scan. Urinary tract obstruction and renal cortical damage can be easily evaluated with Tc-99m DTPA and Tc-99m DMSA scans in patients with megacalyces and megaureter.

The effect of titrated fentanyl on suppressed cough reflex in healthy adult volunteers.

Science.gov (United States)

Kelly, H E; Shaw, G M; Brett, C N; Greenwood, F M; Huckabee, M L

2016-05-01

Cough suppression is part of the pharmacodynamic profile of opioids. We investigated the impact of clinical doses of fentanyl on suppressing the cough reflex. Thirteen volunteers received 2 μg.kg(-1) of fentanyl in a divided administration protocol. Three minutes after each administration and at 10 min intervals during washout, suppressed cough reflex testing with nebulised citric acid was performed and compared with fentanyl effect-site concentration. Mean (SD) citric acid concentration provoking cough increased from 0.5 (0.28) mol.l(-1) at baseline to 1.2 (0.50) mol.l(-1) after 2 μg.kg(-1) of fentanyl (p = 0.01). Mean (SD) fentanyl effect-site concentration after the final dose of fentanyl was 1.89 (0.05) ng.ml(-1) . A strong positive correlation was found between suppressed cough reflex thresholds and fentanyl effect-site concentrations during both fentanyl administration and washout phases of the study (r(2) = 0.79, p = 0.01). The mean (SD) length of time for return of suppressed cough response was 44.6 (18.8) min. Clinically relevant doses of fentanyl produced cough reflex suppression in healthy volunteers. © 2016 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Characterization of breast masses by dynamic enhanced MR imaging. A logistic regression analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ikeda, O.; Morishita, S.; Kido, T.; Kitajima, M.; Yamashita, Y.; Takahashi, M.; Okamura, K.; Fukuda, S.

1999-01-01

Purpose: To identify features useful for differentiation between malignant and benign breast neoplasms using multivariate analysis of findings by MR imaging. Material and Methods: In a retrospective analysis, 61 patients with 64 breast masses underwent MR imaging and the time-signal intensity curves for precontrast dynamic postcontrast images were quantitatively analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model, which was prospectively tested in another 34 patients with suspected breast masses. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that the reliable indicators for malignancy were first the appearance of the tumor border, followed by the washout ratio, internal architecture after contrast enhancement, and peak time. The factors significantly associated with malignancy were irregular tumor border, followed by washout ratio, internal architecture, and peak time. For differentiation between benignity and malignancy, the maximum cut-off point was to be found between 0.47 and 0.51. In a prospective application of this model, 91% of the lesions were accurately discriminated as benign or malignant lesions. Conclusion: Combination of contrast-enhanced dynamic and postcontrast-enhanced MR imaging provided accurate data for the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms of the breast. The model had an accuracy of 91% (sensitivity 90%, specificity 93%). (orig.)

The effect of levodopa therapy on dopamine transporter SPECT imaging with{sup 123}I-FP-CIT in patients with Parkinson's disease

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schillaci, Orazio; Filippi, Luca; Manni, Carlo; Danieli, Roberta; Simonetti, Giovanni [University Tor Vergata, Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, Rome (Italy); Pierantozzi, Mariangela; Brusa, Livia; Bernardi, Giorgio; Stanzione, Paolo [University Tor Vergata, Department of Neurological Sciences, Rome (Italy); Santa Lucia Foundation I.R.C.C.S., Rome (Italy)

2005-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of {sup 123}I-FP-CIT SPECT, the effect of chronic treatment with levodopa on striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) in patients with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen patients under stable levodopa/carbidopa monotherapy were imaged twice: at baseline on medication and after at least 20 days of treatment wash-out. DAT levels were assessed from SPECT imaging for the entire striatum, the right and left striatum, the right and left putamen and the right and left caudate, as a ratio of regional brain activities using the formula: (striatal region of interest-occipital)/occipital. During levodopa wash-out, despite a worsening in patients' clinical disability (H and Y mean stage 2.53{+-}0.58 versus 1.73{+-}0.45 on therapy, p<0.001), striatal{sup 123}I-FP-CIT levels were not significantly different from those at baseline in any of the brain regions examined. The results of this study suggest that levodopa does not affect{sup 123}I-FP-CIT brain imaging and confirm that it is not necessary to withdraw this medication to measure DAT levels with SPECT. (orig.)

Effects of neuropeptide Y on regulation of blood flow rate in canine myocardium

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Svendsen, Jesper Hastrup; Sheikh, S P; Jørgensen, J

1990-01-01

The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on tension development was examined in isolated canine coronary arteries, and the effects on local myocardial blood flow rate were studied in open-chest anesthetized dogs by the local 133Xe washout technique. By immunohistochemistry, numerous NPY-like immunoreac......The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on tension development was examined in isolated canine coronary arteries, and the effects on local myocardial blood flow rate were studied in open-chest anesthetized dogs by the local 133Xe washout technique. By immunohistochemistry, numerous NPY......+. In contrast, intracoronary NPY (0.01-10 micrograms) induced a considerable degree of vasoconstriction; the reduction of blood flow rate was dose related, with a maximum reduction to 52% of control values. The effect of intracoronary NPY (1 microgram) on maximally relaxed arterioles elicited by 30 s...... of ischemia was studied in separate experiments during reactive hyperemia. NPY induced a decrease in maximum blood flow during reactive hyperemia (166.6 vs. 214.6% of preocclusive blood flow rate, mean values; P = 0.05), an increase in the cumulative excess blood flow (61.0 vs. 35.3 ml/100 g; P = 0...

Natural Radionuclides and Isotopic Signatures for Determining Carbonaceous Aerosol Sources, Aerosol Lifetimes, and Washout Processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gaffney, Jeffrey

2012-01-01

This is the final technical report. The project description is as follows: to determine the role of aerosol radiative forcing on climate, the processes that control their atmospheric concentrations must be understood, and aerosol sources need to be determined for mitigation. Measurements of naturally occurring radionuclides and stable isotopic signatures allow the sources, removal and transport processes, as well as atmospheric lifetimes of fine carbonaceous aerosols, to be evaluated.

Natural Radionuclides and Isotopic Signatures for Determining Carbonaceous Aerosol Sources, Aerosol Lifetimes, and Washout Processes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gaffney, Jeffrey [Univ. of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR (United States)

2012-12-12

This is the final technical report. The project description is as follows: to determine the role of aerosol radiative forcing on climate, the processes that control their atmospheric concentrations must be understood, and aerosol sources need to be determined for mitigation. Measurements of naturally occurring radionuclides and stable isotopic signatures allow the sources, removal and transport processes, as well as atmospheric lifetimes of fine carbonaceous aerosols, to be evaluated.

Pittsburgh rainwater analysis by PIXE

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chan, K C; Cohen, B L; Frohliger, J O; Shabason, L

1976-01-01

Concentrations of thirteen elements in rainwater from the Pittsburgh, Pa., area were analysed by Charged Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). They were compared to rainwater in a rural area and air particulates in Pittsburgh. Local and non-local contributions are discussed. Washout ratios were calculated and found to be larger for smaller size particles, contrary to general belief. The work demonstrates the convenience of using PIXE.

Radiopharmacology of inhaled 133Xe in skeletal sites containing deposits of Gaucher cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Castronovo, F.P. Jr.; Mckusick, K.A.; Doppelt, S.H.; Barton, N.W.

1993-01-01

Gaucher's disease is a lysosomal storage disease in which cells of the reticuloendothelial system accumulate the lipid gluococerebroside. It is characterized by slowly progressive visceral and osseous involvement. One of the latter manifestations includes lipid infiltration of bone marrow. The authors monitored the rate of inhaled 133 Xe uptake and wash-out over diseased and normal metaphyseal and epiphyseal areas of the knee. (author)

Measured radioecological parameters after the Chernobyl accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bonka, H.

1989-01-01

After the Chernobyl accident the radioactivity in the environment in Aachen was measured in detail. The change of the different radionuclies in the eco-system made it possible to obtain radioecological parameters especially for iodine and caesium. The most important data obtained like deposition velocity, washout coefficient, retention factor, removal rate constant, and transfer factor food-milk, food-beef, and soil-grass are reported. (orig.)

Effects of Using Tricaine Methanesulfonate and Metomidate before Euthanasia on the Contractile Properties of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Myocardium

OpenAIRE

Roberts, Jordan C; Syme, Douglas A

2016-01-01

Because many anesthetics work through depressing cell excitability, unanesthetized euthanasia has become common for research involving excitable tissues (for example muscle and nerve) to avoid these depressive effects. However, anesthetic use during euthanasia may be indicated for studies involving isolated tissues if the potential depressive effects of brief anesthetic exposure dissipate after subsequent tissue isolation, washout, and saline perfusion. We explore this here by measuring wheth...

Dynamic molecular imaging of cardiac innervation using a dual head pinhole SPECT system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu, Jicun; Boutchko, Rostyslav; Sitek, Arkadiusz; Reutter, BryanW.; Huesman, Ronald H.; Gullberg, Grant T.

2008-01-01

Typically 123I-MIBG is used for the study of innervation and function of the sympathetic nervous system in heart failure. The protocol involves two studies: first a planar or SPECT scan is performed to measure initial uptake of the tracer, followed some 3-4 hours later by another study measuring the wash-out of the tracer from the heart. A fast wash-out is indicative of a compromised heart. In this work, a dual head pinhole SPECT system was used for imaging the distribution and kinetics of 123I-MIBG in the myocardium of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. The system geometry was calibrated based on a nonlinear point projection fitting method using a three-point source phantom. The angle variation effect of the parameters was modeled with a sinusoidal function. A dynamic acquisition was performed by injecting 123I-MIBG into rats immediately after starting the data acquisition. The detectors rotated continuously performing a 360o data acquisition every 90 seconds. We applied the factor analysis (FA)method and region of interest (ROI) sampling method to obtain time activity curves (TACs)in the blood pool and myocardium and then applied two-compartment modeling to estimate the kinetic parameters. Since the initial injection bolus is too fast for obtaining a consistent tomographic data set in the first few minutes of the study, we applied the FA method directly to projections during the first rotation. Then the time active curves for blood and myocardial tissue were obtained from ROI sampling. The method was applied to determine if there were differences in the kinetics between SHR and WKY rats and requires less time by replacing the delayed scan at 3-4 hours after injection with a dynamic acquisition over 90 to 120 minutes. The results of a faster washout and a smaller distribution volume of 123I-MIBG near the end of life in the SHR model of hypertrophic cardiomyopthy may be indicative of a failing heart in late stages of heart

Reverse redistribution in dipyridamole-loading thallium-201 images using single photon emission computed tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mori, Kiyoo; Masuda, Masanosuke; Bunko, Hisashi.

1986-01-01

Dipyridamole was infused intravenously at a rate of 0.142 mg/kg per min for four min, and a stress image was obtained 10 min after the injection of two mCi 201 Tl. The myocardial image of Tl was analyzed by single photon emission computed tomography and its washout rate was calculated by the segmental ROI method. Myocardial function and the motion of the left ventricular wall were analyzed by 99m Tc-RBC-gated cardiac pool imaging. Reverse redistribution was noted in 27 (21.6 %) of 125 consecutive Tl dipyridamole and redistribution myocardial imaging studies. The stress image demonstrated normal perfusion (group 1) and reduced perfusion (group 2) of Tl. Group 1 consisted of 17 patients with diabetes mellitus, supraventricular arrhythmias, hypertension, and others. Group 2 consisted of 10 patients with subendocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and others. The percentage prevalence of reverse redistribution among patients with supraventricular arrhythmia was 62.5 % (five of eight patients), with subendocardial infarction 60.0 % (three of five), with hypertension 42.8 % (six of 14), and with diabetes mellitus 40.0 % (eight of 20), while in those with transmyocardial infarction and angina pectoris no reverse redistribution percentage was found. The washout rate of Tl in normal perfusion areas was 44.0 ± 12.8 %, the reverse redistribution of group 1 was 47.4 ± 12.8 %, and of group 2 was 51.2 ± 8.2 %. The washout rate of the reverse redistribution of group 2 was significantly greater than that of the normal areas. In gated cardiac pool imaging, patients in group 2 had significantly larger areas showing abnormal contraction of the left ventricular wall and significantly lower ejection fraction than did group 1. In the electrocardiogram ST segment depression was noted more frequently in group 2 than group 1. No Q wave was present in the corresponding reverse redistribution area. (J.P.N.)

Application of Kr-81m gas for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A comparison of various inhalation techniques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kawakami, K; Katsuyama, N i; Anno, I i; Harada, J; Kuroda, T [Jikei Univ., Tokyo (Japan). School of Medicine

1978-11-01

The Kr-81m ventilation study was performed by the following four inhalation techniques. 1) Spontaneous respiration with Kr-81m in air (Sp). 2) Serial inhalation of Kr-81m from residual volume to total lung capacity (VC). 3) Bolus inhalation of 50 ml of Kr-81m from the level of functional residual capacity (FRC), and 4) residual volume (RV), followed by air, to total lung capacity. Scintiphotos were taken during 10 sec of breathholding for VC, FRC, RV inhalation techniques and during tidal breathing for Sp technique, in a sitting position, by a scinticamera (Pho/Gamma HP). Twenty-three of the 28 subjects showed uneven distribution of the washout time in the Xe-133 study, 5 cases have a normal Xe-133 study. In severe obstructive changes with marked delay of the Xe-133 washout time, inhalation defects of Kr-81m were imaged in all techniques. In minor degrees of obstruction associated with slight delay of the washout, FRC and RV techniques detected abnormalities, whilst images by Sp and VC techniques showed homogeneous distribution of Kr-81m. This is due to rebreathing effect on Sp and to opening of partial airway obstruction in a high lung volume on VC technique. RV technique had a disadvantage for imaging of abnormalities in the lower lung fields, because Kr-81m concentration is low in the lower lung fields, due to physiological closure of the small airway. In 3 of 5 cases of asymptomatic asthma with a normal Xe-133 study, uneven distribution in RV technique was the only abnormality detected. FRC technique was most sensitive for slight obstructive changes in the upper lung fields as well as in the lower. For the ventilation study using Kr-81m, a combined test of Sp, VC, RV and FRC inhalation techniques is useful for early detection of the small airway disease and evaluation of the degree of abnormalities.

Comparison of myocardial fatty acid metabolism with left ventricular function and perfusion in cardiomyopathies. By 123I-BMIPP SPECT and 99mTc-tetrofosmin electrocardiographically gated SPECT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Chunlei; Shuke, Noriyuki; Okizaki, Atsutaka

2003-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate myocardial fatty acid metabolism and its relationship with left ventricular (LV) function and perfusion in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Thirty-nine patients with cardiomyopathies (58±14 y), comprising 15 DCM and 24 HCM, and 9 age-matched healthy controls were studied with 123 I-15-(p-iodophenyl)-3-(R,S)-methylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and 99m Tc-tetrofosmin (TF) electrocardiographically gated SPECT. As parameters of myocardial fatty acid metabolism, the heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M) and global washout of BMIPP were calculated from early and delayed planar images, while regional BMIPP uptake and washout were calculated from SPECT. In TF study, the H/M (H/M-TF) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated as global parameters of perfusion and function, while regional TF uptake and wall thickening index were calculated as regional parameters of perfusion and function using the Quantitative Gated SPECT software. The differences in the parameters and the correlations between the parameters from the 2 studies were investigated by one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis. BMIPP uptake was decreased (p 0.05), but showed a significant correlation with H/M-TF (p 0.05) but had a significant correlation with regional perfusion (p<0.0001) in DCM. In HCM, regional BMIPP parameters showed significant multiple linear correlations with both regional function (p<0.005) and perfusion (p<0.0001). According to the partial correlation coefficients, delayed regional BMIPP uptake was the most significant factor for predicting regional function in HCM, while early regional BMIPP uptake was the only or the most significant factor for predicting regional perfusion in DCM and HCM, respectively. In DCM, BMIPP uptake and washout could not reflect LV function. In HCM, regional delayed BMIPP uptake might be useful for evaluating regional function. In DCM and HCM, early BMIPP uptake might be

Rest delayed images on 99mTc-MIBI myocardial SPECT as a noninvasive screen for the diagnosis of vasospastic angina pectoris

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ono, Soichi; Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki; Takayama, Shin; Kurabe, Atsushi; Heito, Takayuki

2002-01-01

Diagnostic usefulness of 99m Tc-hexakis-2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) myocardial SPECT at rest was examined in 39 cases of coronary vasospastic angina pectoris who were diagnosed by a positive reaction to ergonovine provocation. SPECT was performed 45 minutes (early image) and 3 hours (delayed image) after the intravenous injection of approximately 600 MBq of MIBI. Decrease in accumulation was ranked by four defect scores (0: normal; 1: slight decrease; 2: moderate decrease; 3: severe decrease) and the total defect score was evaluated semiquantitatively. The washout rate between the normal area and the spasm area was also evaluated quantitatively using bull's eye. As a result, 15 cases (15/39; 38.4%) showed decreased accumulation in the early image and 27 cases (27/39; 69.2%) showed decreased accumulation in the delayed image. All of the cases which showed decreased accumulation in the early image had decreased accumulation in the delayed image as well. In 6 cases (6/34; 17.6%) showed ST wave changes during exercise ECG and 16 cases (16/34: 47%) showed decreased accumulation in the exercise myocardial SPECT. The washout rate of MIBI in the decreased accumulation area was significantly higher than that of the normal area. Of 32 ergonovine induced vasospastic area, 23 areas (72%) exhibited decreased accumulation in the delayed image for the same area. Decreased accumulation in the delayed image in MIBI was due to the enhanced washout, which, in turn, indicated declined retention of MIBI by mitochondrial membrane. In coronary vasospastic angina pectoris, spasm induced ischemia was thought to have an effect on the mitochondria. This study suggested that even with a normal exercise ECG and exercise myocardial SPECT, there's a strong possibility of coronary vasospastic angina pectoris if a decreased accumulation was found in the delayed image in the MIBI myocardial SPECT at rest. Hence, in diagnosing coronary vasospastic angina pectoris, the delayed image in the

Reduced cardiac {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: a comparative study with Parkinson's disease

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

De Rosa, Anna; De Leva, Maria Fulvia; Maddaluno, Gennaro; Filla, Alessandro; De Michele, Giuseppe [University Federico II, Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Sciences, Naples (Italy); Pappata, Sabina; Pellegrino, Teresa [National Council of Research, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, Naples (Italy); Fiumara, Giovanni [Institute of Diagnostic and Nuclear Development, SDN Foundation, Naples (Italy); Carotenuto, Raffaella; Cuocolo, Alberto [University Federico II, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Naples (Italy); Petretta, Mario [University Federico II, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Naples (Italy)

2013-12-15

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, and peripheral neuropathy. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is often present. This study evaluated the cardiac sympathetic function in patients with SCA2 using {sup 123}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) in comparison with patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and control subjects. Nine patients with SCA2, nine patients with PD, and nine control subjects underwent {sup 123}I-MIBG imaging studies from which early and late heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratios and myocardial washout rates were calculated. Early (F = 12.3, p < 0.0001) and late (F = 16.8, p < 0.0001) H/M ratios were significantly different among groups. In controls, early and late H/M ratios (2.2 {+-} 0.12 and 2.1 {+-} 0.20) were significantly higher than in patients with SCA2 (1.9 {+-} 0.23 and 1.8 {+-} 0.20, both p < 0.05) and with patients with PD (1.7 {+-} 0.29 and 1.4 {+-} 0.35, both p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in washout rates among groups (F = 11.7, p < 0.0001). In controls the washout rate (19.9 {+-} 9.6 %) was significantly lower (p < 0.005) than in patients with PD (51.0 {+-} 23.7 %), but not different from that in SCA2 patients (19.5 {+-} 9.4 %). In SCA2 patients, in a multivariable linear regression analysis only the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score was independently associated with early H/M ratio ({beta} = -0.12, p < 0.05). {sup 123}I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy demonstrated an impairment of cardiac sympathetic function in patients with SCA2, which was less marked than in PD patients. These results suggest that {sup 123}I-MIBG cardiac imaging could become a useful tool for analysing the pathophysiology of SCA2. (orig.)

Prognosis for medically treated elderly patients with coronary artery disease. Analysis by the cox model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Furuno, Takashi; Yamasaki, Fumiyasu; Yabe, Toshikazu; Matsumura, Yoshihisa; Kitaoka, Hiroaki; Doi, Yoshinori

1997-01-01

The prognostic importance of age among well-known prognostic factors such as extent of coronary artery lesions, cardiac function, and myocardial ischemia was evaluated in 147 elderly patients with coronary artery disease aged 65 years or older who underwent dipyridamole perfusion scintigraphy and coronary angiography. After excluding 32 patients who initially underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 115 patients who were initially treated medically were analysed by the Cox model for cardiac events during a mean follow-up period of 29±22 months. Among the 114 patients who were available for follow-up, nine patients (7.9%) had cardiac events, including five cardiac deaths and four non-fatal cardiac events (requiring PTCA or CABG). When the 114 patients were divided into three age-groups; 53 patients aged 65-69 years, 42 aged 70-74 years and 19 aged 75 years or older, the incidence of cardiac death was highest in those aged 75 years or older. Univariate analysis showed that age of 70 years or older (hazards ratio 15.15, p=0.004), scintigraphic diffuse slow washout (hazards ratio 8.77, p=0.002), and triple-vessel or left main trunk disease (hazards ratio 6.36, p=0.05) were important prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that scintigraphic diffuse slow washout (hazards ratio 6.33, p=0.05), and triple-vessel or left main trunk disease (hazards ratio 11.94 p=0.05) were statistically significant as independent prognostic factors. However, when age of 70 years or older was included in the analysis, it showed higher hazards ratio (21.21, p=0.03) than that of scintigraphic diffuse slow washout (7.36) or triple-vessel or left main trunk disease (5.30). Age of 70 years or older may be a significant prognostic factor in elderly patients with coronary artery disease which has an equivalent importance to the extent of coronary lesions. (author)

Recovery of microtubules on the blepharoplast of Ceratopteris spermatogenous cells after oryzalin treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Vaughn, Kevin C; Bowling, Andrew J

2008-11-01

Most land plants have ill-defined microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs), consisting of sites on the nuclear envelope or even along microtubules (MTs). In contrast, the spermatogenous cells of the pteridophyte Ceratopteris richardii have a well-defined MTOC, the blepharoplast, which organizes MTs through the last two division cycles. This allows a rare opportunity to study the organization and workings of a structurally well-defined plant MTOC. In this study, antheridial plants were treated with levels of oryzalin that cause complete MT loss from the cells containing blepharoplasts. The oryzalin was then washed out and plants were allowed to recover for varying amounts of time. If the spermatogenous cells were fixed prior to washing out, the blepharoplasts had an unusual appearance. In the matrix (pericentriolar) material where MT ends are normally found, clear areas of about the diameter of MTs were seen embedded in a much deeper matrix, made more obvious in stereo pairs. Occasionally, the matrix material was highly distended, although the basal body template cylinder morphology appeared to be unaltered. The blepharoplasts often occurred as clusters of 2 or 4, indicating that blepharoplast reproduction is not affected by the lack of MTs, but that their movement to the poles is. Gamma (gamma) tubulin antibodies labeled the edge of the blepharoplast in areas where the pits are located, indicating that these might be sites for MT nucleation. After wash out, the new MTs always re-appeared on the blepharoplast and the recovery occurred within an hour of washout. MT lengths increased with increasing washout time and were indistinguishable from untreated blepharoplasts after 24 h of recovery. After washout, arrays formed in new sperm cells such as the spline and basal bodies were often malformed or present in multiple copies, as were the blepharoplasts in these cells prior to wash out. These data indicate that the blepharoplast serves as the site of MT nucleation and

Serial dynamic CT scan in patients with acute basal ganglia infarctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Node, Yoji; Nakazawa, Shozo; Tsuji, Yukihide.

1987-01-01

Dynamic computed tomography (CT) was performed on 15 patients (37 to 93 years of age) with acute basal ganglia infarctions, and the perfusion patterns of the infarcted regions on CT were evaluated. The initial dynamic CT was performed within 12 hours after onset, while the serial studies of the dynamic CT were performed on the 3rd and 7th days. The left-over-right ratio in the peak value in the basal ganglia in 15 normal subjects was 1.01 ± 0.03 (mean ± SD), so there were no differences in the peak values of the bilateral basal ganglia. We also examined the left-over-right ratio in the peak value and in the rapid-washout ratio in the basal ganglia in the 15 normal subjects. There was no difference in the peak values of the bilateral basal ganglia. The mean rapid-washout ratio was 0.62 ± 0.11 (mean ± SD). The prognoses of these patients three months after onset were as follows: 8 showed a good recovery, 5 had a moderate disability, and 2 had a severe disability. The perfusions on admission were as follows. 10 were hypoperfusions, 3 were hypo + late perfusions, one was a normoperfusion, and one was a late perfusion. There was a tendency for the rapid-washout ratio decrease more in the hypo + late perfusion group than in the other groups. Twelve patients showed an iso-density, while 3 showed a low density, on admission. The ''low-density'' group showed a decrease in the A/N ratio of the peak value. We performed serial dynamic CT in 11 cases. The group with severe disabilities (2 cases) showed a hypo + late perfusion in the initial CT, one case kept a hypo + late perfusion, and another case changed to a hypoperfusion; also, there was a tendency for there to be a poor improvement in the A/N ratio of the peak value in these two ''severe-disability'' patients. (J.P.N.)

Ischaemic wound complications in above-knee amputations in relation to the skin perfusion pressure

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Holstein, P

1980-01-01

Healing of the stumps in 59 above-knee amputations was correlated with the local skin perfusion pressure (SPP) measured preoperatively as the external pressure required to stop isotope washout using 131I-(-) or 125I-(-) antipyrine mixed with histamine. Out of the 11 cases with an SPP below 30 mm...... ischaemic wound complications in above-knee amputations as has previously been shown to be the case in below-knee amputations....

The impact of in situ methotrexate injection after transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of ovarian endometriomas on ovarian response and reproductive outcomes during IVF-cycles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

H.E. Shawki

2012-06-01

Conclusion(s: In situ methotrexate injection after transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration was a simple, safe and successful method for treating ovarian endometriomas with minimal effects on ovarian response. Short term effects on reproductive outcomes, risk of fetal loss or anomaly were minimal. Six months was enough as washout period of the drug prior to conception and was advisable to prevent the small chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the offspring.

Chernobyl and its effects in terms of food contamination

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Diehl, J.F.

1986-01-01

The contamination of plant surfaces and roots is gone into. There is a continuous decrease in contamination as a result of washout and dilution from plant growth. In animals, contamination decreases as a result of biological secretion. The isotopes I-131, Cs-137, and Sr-90 were investigated. To avoid high radiation, the author recommends to banish mushrooms, game, goat's meat, and mutton from the table. (PW) [de

Microdialysis in the femoral head of the minipig and in a blood cloth of human blood

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bøgehøj, Morten Foged; Emmeluth, Claus; Overgaard, Søren

2011-01-01

) initially to 37 (8) after 1 h (p = 0.007) but no statistically significant change from 1 to 2 h was observed. Interpretation The ex-vivo study showed a clear washout pattern, and was different from what we see in bone. The in-vivo study indicated that an equilibrium period is necessary or that a reference...... measurement in healthy bone must be used when performing short measurements in bone....

Department of Defense Operational Range Sustainability through Management of Munitions Constituents

Science.gov (United States)

2014-04-01

the first half of the 20th Century primarily in naval bombs, rockets, and armor-piercing shells . Picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol) was also used...are selected for use based on factors such as ability to extract or degrade the contaminants of concern, adaptation to local climates, high biomass ...energetic-contaminated sites. Examples include: (1) Shell Washout Wastewater Ditch, Building 700B, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (contaminants of

An automated system for pulmonary function testing

Science.gov (United States)

Mauldin, D. G.

1974-01-01

An experiment to quantitate pulmonary function was accepted for the space shuttle concept verification test. The single breath maneuver and the nitrogen washout are combined to reduce the test time. Parameters are defined from the forced vital capacity maneuvers. A spirometer measures the breath volume and a magnetic section mass spectrometer provides definition of gas composition. Mass spectrometer and spirometer data are analyzed by a PDP-81 digital computer.

Chernobyl radiological data for accident consequence assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bottino, A.; Sacripanti, A.

1989-01-01

In this draft is presented the results of a first effort to summarize information related to the radionuclides behaviour in rural areas, in order to estimate pathway parameters to assess accident consequences. This topic encloses relevant aspects concerning contamination of rural environment, the most important being: 1) dry deposition velocities; 2) washout coefficient; 3) accumulation in lakes; 4) migration in soil; 5) winter conditions; 6) filtering effects of forests

From 4D medical images (CT, MRI, and Ultrasound) to 4D structured mesh models of the left ventricular endocardium for patient-specific simulations

OpenAIRE

Canè, Federico; Verhegghe, Benedict; De Beule, Matthieu; Bertrand, Philippe B.; Van der Geest, Rob J.; Segers, Patrick; De Santis, Gianluca

2018-01-01

With cardiovascular disease (CVD) remaining the primary cause of death worldwide, early detection of CVDs becomes essential. The intracardiac flow is an important component of ventricular function, motion kinetics, wash-out of ventricular chambers, and ventricular energetics. Coupling between Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and medical images can play a fundamental role in terms of patient-specific diagnostic tools. From a technical perspective, CFD simulations with moving boun...

Hydroxylated phenylacetamides derived from bioactive benzoxazinoids are bioavailable in humans after habitual consumption of whole grain sourdough rye bread.

Science.gov (United States)

Beckmann, Manfred; Lloyd, Amanda J; Haldar, Sumanto; Seal, Chris; Brandt, Kirsten; Draper, John

2013-10-01

Understanding relationships between dietary whole grain and health is hindered by incomplete knowledge of potentially bioactive metabolites derived from these foods. We aimed to discover compounds in urine correlated with changes in amounts of whole grain rye consumption. After a wash-out period, volunteers consumed 48-g whole grain rye foods per day for 4 wk and then doubled their intake for a further 4 wk. Samples of 24-h urines were analyzed by flow infusion electrospray MS followed by supervised multivariate data analysis. Urine samples from participants who reported high intakes of rye flakes, rye pasta, or total whole grain rye products could not be discriminated adequately from their wash-out samples. However, discrimination was seen in urine samples from participants who reported high whole grain sourdough rye bread consumption. Accurate mass analysis of explanatory signals followed by fragmentation identified conjugates of the benzoxazinoid lactam 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one and hydroxylated phenyl acetamide derivatives. Statistical validation showed sensitivities of 84-96% and specificities of 70-81% (p values bread consumption. Several potentially bioactive alkaloids have been identified in humans consuming fermented whole grain sourdough rye bread. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Use of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial imaging to predict the effectiveness of {beta}-blocker therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fukuoka, Shuji [Department of Radiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka (Japan); Hayashida, Kohei [Department of Radiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka (Japan); Hirose, Yoshiaki [Department of Radiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka (Japan); Shimotsu, Yoriko [Department of Radiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka (Japan); Ishida, Yoshio [Department of Radiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka (Japan); Kakuchi, Hiroyuki [Department of Internal Medicine, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka (Japan); Eto, Tanenao [First Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, Miyazaki (Japan)

1997-05-01

We studied 13 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and seven normal subjects. We obtained myocardial SPET images 15 min and 4 h after administration of {sup 123}I-MIBG (111 MBq). Studies were performed in the patients with DCM before and 1 and 3 months after the administration of metoprolol and in the normal subjects. We calculated the regional {sup 123}I-MIBG washout rate (r-WR) in the SPET image, and the global {sup 123}I-MIBG washout rate (g-WR) and heart-mediastinum activity ratio (H/M) using the anterior planar image. We classified patients into those showing a {>=}5% increase in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at 3 months compared with LVEF values before the treatment (group I, n=7) and those showing a <5% increase in LVEF (group II, n=6). In normal subjects, the r-WR values in each of the anterior, lateral, septal and inferior segments were significantly lower than those in groups I and II. These values were 18%{+-}9%, 18%{+-}15%, 20%{+-}12% and 21%{+-}15%, respectively. This study demonstrated that with regional assessment {sup 123}I-MIBG SPET imaging can be used to predict the functional improvement of LVEF at 1 month of {beta}-blocker therapy in patients with DCM. (orig./VHE). With 4 figs., 1 tab.

Xenon-133 hepatic retention ratio: A useful index for fatty liver quantification

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yeh, S.H.; Wu, L.C.; Wang, S.J.; Lin, H.C.; Liu, R.S.; Lee, S.D.; Wu, J.C.

1989-01-01

Xenon-133 hepatic retention ratio was developed for quantifying fatty liver. Data were acquired in frame mode in the hepatic region and both lung bases for 5 min after rebreathing 20 mCi of gaseous 133 Xe and for another 5 min during washout. Static [ 99m Tc]sulfur colloid liver imaging was performed with the patient in the identical position immediately after the ventilation study and data were stored for liver localization. A hepatic time-activity curve corrected for background activity was generated. The 133Xe retention ratio was derived by dividing the activity at 3.5 min after washout by the peak activity. The data of 16 controls and 20 patients with fatty liver were analyzed. The retention ratio (mean +/- s.d.) was greatly increased in patients with fatty infiltration (0.43 +/- 0.20 vs. 0.04 +/- 0.08 in controls, p less than 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the 133 Xe retention ratios and percentage of fat on biopsy as assessed by the amount of the liver tissue occupied by fat globules on H ampersand E stained sections. The 133 Xe hepatic retention ratio is a simple, accurate and clinically useful index of detecting, quantifying and managing fatty infiltration of the liver

Specific imaging characteristic of solitary necrotic nodule of the liver: Marked peripheral rim-like enhancement with internal hypointensity on longer delayed MRI

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fang, Jiayang; Yu, Dexin; Ma, Xiangxing; Xiang, Ying; Guo, Lijuan [Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Department of Radiology, Ji' nan City, Shandong (China); Ma, Xiaoyuan [Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Department of Orthopaedics, Ji' nan City (China)

2017-09-15

To obtain specific imaging findings of solitary necrotic nodule of the liver (SNNL) using longer delayed contrast-enhanced MRI and compare them with those of three mimic hepatic diseases. Sixteen patients with SNNL underwent plain and contrast-enhanced triphasic CT and multiphasic MRI with delayed time prolonged to 2 h after contrast bolus injection. Twenty-three patients with mimic lesions including seven with eight HCCs, five with five iCCs and 11 with metastatic lesions served as the control group. Those patients also received plain and multiphasic contrast-enhanced MRI. Imaging features of lesions such as peripheral wash-out time were evaluated. Among the 16 SNNLs, with a prolonged delayed MRI time, the enhancement degree of tumour periphery increased gradually. When it was up to 1 h, all lesions represented moderate/marked peripheral enhancement with internal hypointensity. However, the peripheral wash-out in seven HCCs (87.5%) and all metastatic lesions except three appeared at 10 or 15 min, one iCC (20%) at 30 min and the other lesions at 1 h. Longer MRI with a delayed time of 1-2 h may be useful in diagnosis SNNL, revealing the specific imaging characteristic of SNNL as pronounced peripheral enhancement with internal hypointensity. (orig.)

In vivo imaging of GABAA receptors using sequential whole-volume iodine-123 iomazenil single-photon emission tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Busatto, G.F.; Pilowsky, L.S.; Costa, D.C.; Ell, P.J.; Lingford-Hughes, A.; Kerwin, R.W.

1995-01-01

Using a brain-dedicated triple-headed single-photon emission tomography (SPET) system, a sequential whole-volume imaging protocol has been devised to evaluate the regional distribution of iodine-123 iomazenil binding to GABA A receptors in the entire brain. The protocol was piloted in eight normal volunteers (seven males and one female; mean age, 24.8±3.9 years). The patterns obtained were largely compatible with the known distribution of GABA A receptors in the brain as reported in autoradiographic studies, with cerebral cortical regions, particularly the occipital and frontal cortices, displaying the highest 123 I-iomazenil uptake. Measures of time to peak uptake and tracer washout rates presented with the same pattern of regional variation, with later times to peak and slower washout rates in cortical regions compared to other brain areas. Semiquantitative analysis of the data using white matter/ventricle regions as reference demonstrated a plateau of specific 123 I-iomazenil binding in neocortical and cerebellar regions from 60-75 min onwards. These data demonstrate the feasibility of sequential, dynamic whole-volume 123 I-iomazenil SPET imaging. The protocol may be particularly useful in the investigation of neuropsychiatric conditions which are likely to involve more than one focus of GABA abnormalities, such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. (orig.)

2-D model of global aerosol transport

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rehkopf, J; Newiger, M; Grassl, H

1984-01-01

The distribution of aerosol particles in the troposphere is described. Starting with long term mean seasonal flow and diffusivities as well as temperature, cloud distribution (six cloud classes), relative humidity and OH radical concentration, the steady state concentration of aerosol particles and SO/sub 2/ are calculated in a two-dimensional global (height and latitude) model. The following sources and sinks for particles are handled: direct emission, gas-to-particle conversion from SO/sub 2/, coagulation, rainout, washout, gravitational settling, and dry deposition. The sinks considered for sulphur emissions are dry deposition, washout, rainout, gasphase oxidation, and aqueous phase oxidation. Model tests with the water vapour cycle show a good agreement between measured and calculated zonal mean precipitation distribution. The steady state concentration distribution for natural emissions reached after 10 weeks model time, may be described by a mean exponent ..cap alpha.. = 3.2 near the surface assuming a modified Junge distribution and an increased value, ..cap alpha.. = 3.7, for the combined natural and man-made emission. The maximum ground level concentrations are 2000 and 10,000 particules cm/sup -3/ for natural and natural plus man-made emissions, respectively. The resulting distribution of sulphur dioxide agrees satisfactorily with measurements given by several authors. 37 references, 4 figures.

The Effects of Soy Bean Flour Enriched Bread Intake on Anthropometric Indices and Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetic Women: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Asma Salari Moghaddam

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Previous studies showed that soy bean has the potential to improve many aspects of diabetes state and provide metabolic benefits that aid in weight management. We aimed to determine the effects of soy bean flour enriched bread on anthropometric indices and blood pressure among type 2 diabetic patients. This randomized, crossover, clinical trial was performed in 30 type 2 diabetic women. There were two trial periods for 6 weeks and a wash-out period for 4 weeks. In the soy bread diet period, 120 g of soy bean flour enriched bread was consumed each day instead of the same amount of their usual bread or other cereal products. After a 4-week wash-out period, participants were crossed over for another 6 weeks. Mean (±SD age of study participants was 45.7 ± 3.8 years. The results of our study showed no significant effects of soy bean flour enriched bread on anthropometric indices and blood pressure among diabetic patients. Despite the slight reduction in BMI, waist circumference, and percent of body fat, there were no significant differences in changes of these values between two groups. No significant changes in waist to hip ratio and blood pressure were seen.

The effects of soy bean flour enriched bread intake on anthropometric indices and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic women: a crossover randomized controlled clinical trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Salari Moghaddam, Asma; Entezari, Mohammad Hassan; Iraj, Bijan; Askari, Gholamreza; Sharifi Zahabi, Elham; Maracy, Mohammad Reza

2014-01-01

Previous studies showed that soy bean has the potential to improve many aspects of diabetes state and provide metabolic benefits that aid in weight management. We aimed to determine the effects of soy bean flour enriched bread on anthropometric indices and blood pressure among type 2 diabetic patients. This randomized, crossover, clinical trial was performed in 30 type 2 diabetic women. There were two trial periods for 6 weeks and a wash-out period for 4 weeks. In the soy bread diet period, 120 g of soy bean flour enriched bread was consumed each day instead of the same amount of their usual bread or other cereal products. After a 4-week wash-out period, participants were crossed over for another 6 weeks. Mean (±SD) age of study participants was 45.7 ± 3.8 years. The results of our study showed no significant effects of soy bean flour enriched bread on anthropometric indices and blood pressure among diabetic patients. Despite the slight reduction in BMI, waist circumference, and percent of body fat, there were no significant differences in changes of these values between two groups. No significant changes in waist to hip ratio and blood pressure were seen.

Measurement of regional ventilation under the condition of 'pursed lip breathing' (PLB) with newly designed PLB-model

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Komatani, Akio; Yamaguchi, Koichi; Takahashi, Kazuei; Ikeda, Hideki; Takahashi, Keiji [Yamagata Univ. (Japan)

1982-12-01

A new device was designed to control the expiratory positive pressure from 0 to 100 mmH/sub 2/O as a simulation of the ''pursed lip breathing'' (PLB). Using this device, the effects of PLB to regional ventilation were evaluated. Each patient was examined twice, first in ordinary breathing and second, after 10 to 15 minutes break, in the condition of PLB with the PLB-model. The washin and washout curves of /sup 133/Xe gas were recorded by an Anger camera interfaced to the computer system (DEC PDP-11/34 GAMMA-11). Functional images of T1/2 and B1/2 (breath number) on the /sup 133/Xe washout curves were adopted as the indices of relative function of the regional ventilation. Histograms of the B1/2 distribution were also adopted to estimate the ventilation about the whole lung. Under the condition of PLB, the regional ventilation was improved in most cases of chronic pulmonary emphysema (CPE) and had a tendency to deteriorate in the case of CPE with asthma and the other lung diseases. This examination with the PLB-model might be available to evaluate the regional ventilation during PLB and follow-up of chronic obstructive lung disease.

Targeted Calorie Message Promotes Healthy Beverage Consumption Better than Charity Incentive.

Science.gov (United States)

Policastro, Peggy; Palm, Taylor; Schwartz, Janet; Chapman, Gretchen

2017-08-01

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is cited as a major contributor to the U.S. obesity epidemic. The objective of this paper was to leverage insights from behavioral economics to examine whether nudges would entice college students to save meal calories by choosing water over SSBs. Three message-based nudge interventions, with washout periods between, were used during the 7-week study. Calorie savings (self-interest), charity (prosocial), or charity-plus-calorie message posters were displayed in a college-based food franchise. Multilevel logistic regressions compared the proportions of students choosing water during three experimental conditions. This study assessed whether the frequency of dining establishment visits over the study period moderated effects of the experimental conditions on beverage choices. Multiple data points from the same customer were treated as repeated measures. A total of 2,393 unique students purchased 6,730 meals. Posters displaying calorie information increased water choice relative to washout periods, while the poster without calorie information (charity only) had no effect. Controlling for fixed effects produced the same results. The calorie message poster influenced less frequent diners more than frequent diners. Food-service operations can nudge college students to substitute water for SSBs with a simple calorie-based message to save hundreds of calories per meal. © 2017 The Obesity Society.

A Green's function method for simulation of time-dependent solute transport and reaction in realistic microvascular geometries.

Science.gov (United States)

Secomb, Timothy W

2016-12-01

A novel theoretical method is presented for simulating the spatially resolved convective and diffusive transport of reacting solutes between microvascular networks and the surrounding tissues. The method allows for efficient computational solution of problems involving convection and non-linear binding of solutes in blood flowing through microvascular networks with realistic 3D geometries, coupled with transvascular exchange and diffusion and reaction in the surrounding tissue space. The method is based on a Green's function approach, in which the solute concentration distribution in the tissue is expressed as a sum of fields generated by time-varying distributions of discrete sources and sinks. As an example of the application of the method, the washout of an inert diffusible tracer substance from a tissue region perfused by a network of microvessels is simulated, showing its dependence on the solute's transvascular permeability and tissue diffusivity. Exponential decay of the washout concentration is predicted, with rate constants that are about 10-30% lower than the rate constants for a tissue cylinder model with the same vessel length, vessel surface area and blood flow rate per tissue volume. © The authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. All rights reserved.

Contrast enhancement of focal hepatic lesions in CT: effect of size and histology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burgener, F.A.; Hamlin, D.J.

1983-01-01

The effect of size and histology on the contrast enhancement of hepatic lesions has been analyzed in this clinical and experimental investigation yielding the following results: (1) The attenuation values of hepatic cysts in patients increase significantly and inversely with their size after contrast enhancement when the cysts measure less than twice the CT-slice thickness. This seems to be caused by partial-volume effect. (2) Experimental tumors of identical sizes and originating from the same cell line can demonstrate different contrast-enhancement patterns. (3) Peak contrast uptake in both experimental and human tumors seems to be inversely related to their size. (4) Compared to liver, contrast washout from experimental and human tumors (presumably the extravascular space) is delayed. The delay in the contrast washout from a tumor seems to correlate with tumor size. These findings suggest that in general, it is not possible to differentiate reliably among various hepatic neoplasms on the basis of their contrast enhancement patterns for the following reasons: (1) Attenuation values of small hepatic neoplasms are distorted by partial volume effect. (2) Tumors of different histologies can demonstrate the same enhancement pattern. (3) Tumors of identical histology and size can demonstrate different enhancement patterns. (4) The enhancement pattern of a tumor changes with growth or size

Impact of solifenacin on resource utilization, work productivity and health utility in overactive bladder patients switching from tolterodine ER.

Science.gov (United States)

Zinner, Norman; Noe, Les; Rasouliyan, Lawrence; Marshall, Thomas; Seifeldin, Raafat

2008-06-01

Assess changes in resource utilization, work and activity impairment, and health utility among OAB patients continuing to have urgency symptoms with tolterodine ER 4 mg and willing to try solifenacin 5/10 mg. This was an open-label, non-comparative, flexible-dosing, multicenter, 12-week study assessing the efficacy and safety of solifenacin 5/10 mg/day. Patients receiving tolterodine ER 4 mg/day for >/=4 weeks but continuing to experience residual urgency symptoms (>/=3 urgency episodes/24 h) were enrolled into the study. After a 14-day washout, patients began treatment with solifenacin 5 mg/day with dosing adjustments allowed at Weeks 4 and 8. Outcomes were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire - Specific Health Problem (WPAI-SHP), Health Utilities Index (HUI), and a resource utilization questionnaire administered at Pre-Washout and Week 12. Patients (n=440) reported significantly fewer physician office visits (pwork time missed (p=0.0017), less impairment while working (pwork impairment (pwork productivity, activity participation, and reduced medical care use in OAB patients who continued to have urgency symptoms with tolterodine ER 4 mg/day and wished to switch to solifenacin 5/10 mg. This was an open-label, non-comparative study; therefore, further research is needed to confirm these results.

A Bombesin-Shepherdin Radioconjugate Designed for Combined Extra- and Intracellular Targeting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christiane A. Fischer

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Radiolabeled peptides which target tumor-specific membrane structures of cancer cells represent a promising class of targeted radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. A potential drawback of a number of reported radiopeptides is the rapid washout of a substantial fraction of the initially delivered radioactivity from cancer cells and tumors. This renders the initial targeting effort in part futile and results in a lower imaging quality and efficacy of the radiotracer than achievable. We are investigating the combination of internalizing radiopeptides with molecular entities specific for an intracellular target. By enabling intracellular interactions of the radioconjugate, we aim at reducing/decelerating the externalization of radioactivity from cancer cells. Using the “click-to-chelate” approach, the 99mTc-tricarbonyl core as a reporter probe for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT was combined with the binding sequence of bombesin for extracellular targeting of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-r and peptidic inhibitors of the cytosolic heat shock 90 protein (Hsp90 for intracellular targeting. Receptor-specific uptake of the multifunctional radioconjugate could be confirmed, however, the cellular washout of radioactivity was not improved. We assume that either endosomal trapping or lysosomal degradation of the radioconjugate is accountable for these observations.

Flow and active mixing have a strong impact on bacterial growth dynamics in the proximal large intestine

Science.gov (United States)

Cremer, Jonas; Segota, Igor; Yang, Chih-Yu; Arnoldini, Markus; Groisman, Alex; Hwa, Terence

2016-11-01

More than half of fecal dry weight is bacterial mass with bacterial densities reaching up to 1012 cells per gram. Mostly, these bacteria grow in the proximal large intestine where lateral flow along the intestine is strong: flow can in principal lead to a washout of bacteria from the proximal large intestine. Active mixing by contractions of the intestinal wall together with bacterial growth might counteract such a washout and allow high bacterial densities to occur. As a step towards understanding bacterial growth in the presence of mixing and flow, we constructed an in-vitro setup where controlled wall-deformations of a channel emulate contractions. We investigate growth along the channel under a steady nutrient inflow. Depending on mixing and flow, we observe varying spatial gradients in bacterial density along the channel. Active mixing by deformations of the channel wall is shown to be crucial in maintaining a steady-state bacterial population in the presence of flow. The growth-dynamics is quantitatively captured by a simple mathematical model, with the effect of mixing described by an effective diffusion term. Based on this model, we discuss bacterial growth dynamics in the human large intestine using flow- and mixing-behavior having been observed for humans.

The persistent inhibitory properties of saxagliptin on renal dipeptidyl peptidase-4: Studies with HK-2 cells in vitro and normal rats in vivo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Masako Uchii

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Saxagliptin, a potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitor, exhibits a slow dissociation from DPP-4. We investigated the sustained effects of saxagliptin on renal DPP-4 activity in a washout study using renal tubular (HK-2 cells, and in a pharmacodynamic study using normal rats. In HK-2 cells, the inhibitory potency of saxagliptin on DPP-4 activity persisted after washout, while that of sitagliptin was clearly reduced. In normal rats, a single treatment of saxagliptin or sitagliptin inhibited the plasma DPP-4 activity to similar levels. The inhibitory action of saxagliptin on the renal DPP-4 activity was retained, even when its inhibitory effect on the plasma DPP-4 activity disappeared. However, the inhibitory action of sitagliptin on the renal DPP-4 activity was abolished in correlation with the inhibition of the plasma DPP-4 activity. In situ staining showed that saxagliptin suppressed the DPP-4 activity in both glomerular and tubular cells and its inhibitory effects were significantly higher than those of sitagliptin. Saxagliptin exerted a sustained inhibitory effect on the renal DPP-4 activity in vitro and in vivo. The long binding action of saxagliptin in renal tubular cells might involve the sustained inhibition of renal DPP-4.

Physical properties of highly active liquor containing molybdate solids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dunnett, B.; Ward, T.; Roberts, R.; Cheeseright, J.

2016-01-01

The reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel at Sellafield produces a nitric acid based Highly Active Liquor (HAL) waste. The liquor, containing fission products and process additives, is concentrated in an evaporator in order to reduce the volume and is then stored in Highly Active Storage Tanks (HASTs) prior to vitrification. Caesium phosphomolybdate (CPM) is precipitated during the evaporation process and can convert to zirconium molybdate (ZM) during storage. During Post Operational Clean Out (POCO) of the HASTs, it is expected that their highly active content will be reduced by repeated cycles of washing using nitric acid and other reagents. Initial washings are likely to have a chemical composition comparable to concentrated HAL, becoming more dilute during the wash-out process. It is expected that the wash-out process will also recover significant quantities of molybdate solids (ZM, CPM or a mixture) from the HASTs. In order to determine the processing challenges from such washings during POCO, the physical properties of varying concentrations of non-active HAL simulants containing molybdate solids have recently been measured by the UK's National Nuclear Laboratory. The following measurements are presented and discussed: Particle size distribution; Density; Settling behaviour of solids; Voidage of settled sediment beds; Viscosity; Yield stress; And influence of ZM morphology on physical properties. (authors)

Evaluation of initial uptake and redistribution on stress thallium-201 myocardial perfusion images in patients with myocardial infarction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watanabe, Yoshihiko; Tonooka, Ichiroh; Kanaya, Tohru; Tsuiki, Kai; Yasui, Shouji.

1984-01-01

Stress thallium-201 myocardial perfusion imaging was performed on 29 patients with previous myocardial infarction and 29 patients with angina pectoris at exercise to evaluate thallium-201 kinetics in ischemic heart disease. Four views of thallium-201 images (right anterior oblique, antero-posterior, left anterior oblique and left lateral views) were obtained at 5 min after treadmill exercise with administration of 2 mCi of thallium-201 chloride (initial image) and at 3 hours later (delayed image). Myocardial images were divided into 6 segments (anterior, lateral, inferior, posterior, apical and septal segments) and initial uptake (IU) and redistribution index (RDI, the ratio of the maximal washout rate to a washout rate in each segment) were calculated in order to assess the relations of thallium-201 kinetics to wall motion abnormality and coronary artery stenosis. In myocardial infarction, IU and RDI were decreased in proportion to the severity of wall motion abnormality and coronary artery stenosis. Contrarily, in angina pectoris, IU was decreased but RDI was increased proportionally to the severity of coronary arterial stenosis. In conclusion, IU and redistribution of thallium-201 were affected essentially by both the grade of coronary arterial stenosis and the amount of residual viable heart muscle in patients with ischemic myocardial disease. (author)

The Time Course of the Loss and Recovery of Contracture Ability in Frog Striated Muscle Following Exposure to Ca-Free Solutions

Science.gov (United States)

Milligan, J. V.

1965-01-01

Using area under the contracture curve to quantitate contractures, the diffusion coefficient of calcium ions within the frog toe muscle during washout in a calcium-free solution and subsequent recovery after reintroduction of calcium to the bathing solution was calculated to be about 2 x 10-6 cm2/sec. The diffusion coefficient measured during washout was found to be independent of temperature or initial calcium ion concentration. During recovery it was found to decrease if the temperature was lowered. This was likely due to the repolarization occurring after the depolarizing effect of the calcium-free solution. The relation between contracture area and [Ca]o was found to be useful over a wider range than that between maximum tension and [Ca]o. The normalized contracture areas were larger at lower calcium concentrations if the contractures were produced with cold potassium solutions or if NO3 replaced Cl in the bathing solutions. Decreasing the potassium concentration of the contracture solution to 50 mM from 115 mM did not change the relation between [Ca]o and the normalized area. If the K concentration of the bathing solution was increased, the areas were decreased at lower concentrations of Ca. PMID:14324991

Physical properties of highly active liquor containing molybdate solids

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dunnett, B.; Ward, T.; Roberts, R. [National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1PG (United Kingdom); Cheeseright, J. [Sellafield Ltd, Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1PG (United Kingdom)

2016-07-01

The reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel at Sellafield produces a nitric acid based Highly Active Liquor (HAL) waste. The liquor, containing fission products and process additives, is concentrated in an evaporator in order to reduce the volume and is then stored in Highly Active Storage Tanks (HASTs) prior to vitrification. Caesium phosphomolybdate (CPM) is precipitated during the evaporation process and can convert to zirconium molybdate (ZM) during storage. During Post Operational Clean Out (POCO) of the HASTs, it is expected that their highly active content will be reduced by repeated cycles of washing using nitric acid and other reagents. Initial washings are likely to have a chemical composition comparable to concentrated HAL, becoming more dilute during the wash-out process. It is expected that the wash-out process will also recover significant quantities of molybdate solids (ZM, CPM or a mixture) from the HASTs. In order to determine the processing challenges from such washings during POCO, the physical properties of varying concentrations of non-active HAL simulants containing molybdate solids have recently been measured by the UK's National Nuclear Laboratory. The following measurements are presented and discussed: Particle size distribution; Density; Settling behaviour of solids; Voidage of settled sediment beds; Viscosity; Yield stress; And influence of ZM morphology on physical properties. (authors)

Krypton 81m and xenon 133 for complementary ventilation imaging in pulmonary perfusion studies: a clinical comparison. Chapter 12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Weber, P.M.; Remedios, L.V.dos.

1978-01-01

Twenty-four patients with suspected pulmonary embolism were studied to determine the relative usefulness of 133 Xe and 81 Krsup(m) as indicators of pulmonary ventilation in complementing perfusion studies. In most cases, where krypton produced results superior to xenon, this could be attributed to better resolution of the 190 keV photon and to the fact that multiple views could be obtained, with each view paired precisely with a corresponding perfusion image, the direct result of the ease of use of krypton and its short 13 second half-life. This was well demonstrated in both of the patients with presumed pulmonary embolism and co-existing other pulmonary disease in which the results with xenon and krypton differed. In each case the mis-match was obscured by closely related areas of delayed xenon wash-out. In those patients where xenon demonstrated greater sensitivity in identifying areas of pulmonary disease, the lesions noted on wash-out appeared as areas of positive activity, while with krypton the defects were always photogenic and, when small probably obscured by scatter from adjacent normal activity. In the patient who might have been improperly categorized as a mis-match without the krypton study, the xenon study may have been normal because of inadequate equilibration time. (author)

Kinetic parameter estimation from attenuated SPECT projection measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reutter, B.W.; Gullberg, G.T.

1998-01-01

Conventional analysis of dynamically acquired nuclear medicine data involves fitting kinetic models to time-activity curves generated from regions of interest defined on a temporal sequence of reconstructed images. However, images reconstructed from the inconsistent projections of a time-varying distribution of radiopharmaceutical acquired by a rotating SPECT system can contain artifacts that lead to biases in the estimated kinetic parameters. To overcome this problem the authors investigated the estimation of kinetic parameters directly from projection data by modeling the data acquisition process. To accomplish this it was necessary to parametrize the spatial and temporal distribution of the radiopharmaceutical within the SPECT field of view. In a simulated transverse slice, kinetic parameters were estimated for simple one compartment models for three myocardial regions of interest, as well as for the liver. Myocardial uptake and washout parameters estimated by conventional analysis of noiseless simulated data had biases ranging between 1--63%. Parameters estimated directly from the noiseless projection data were unbiased as expected, since the model used for fitting was faithful to the simulation. Predicted uncertainties (standard deviations) of the parameters obtained for 500,000 detected events ranged between 2--31% for the myocardial uptake parameters and 2--23% for the myocardial washout parameters

A prospective study on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of testicular lesions: distinctive features of Leydig cell tumours

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manganaro, Lucia; Vinci, Valeria; Saldari, Matteo; Bernardo, Silvia; Cantisani, Vito; Catalano, Carlo; Pozza, Carlotta; Gianfrilli, Daniele; Pofi, Riccardo; Lenzi, Andrea; Isidori, Andrea M.; Scialpi, Michele

2015-01-01

Up to 20 % of incidentally found testicular lesions are benign Leydig cell tumours (LCTs). This study evaluates the role of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the identification of LCTs in a large prospective cohort study. We enrolled 44 consecutive patients with at least one solid non-palpable testicular lesion who underwent scrotal MRI. Margins of the lesions, signal intensity and pattern of wash-in and wash-out were analysed by two radiologists. The frequency distribution of malignant and benign MRI features in the different groups was compared by using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated. The sensitivity of scrotal MRI to diagnose LCTs was 89.47 % with 95.65 % specificity; sensitivity for malignant lesions was 95.65 % with 80.95 % specificity. A markedly hypointense signal on T2-WI, rapid and marked wash-in followed by a prolonged washout were distinctive features significantly associated with LCTs. Malignant lesions were significantly associated with blurred margins, weak hypointense signal on T2-WI,and weak and progressive wash-in. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 93 %. LCTs have distinctive contrast-enhanced MRI features that allow the differential diagnosis of incidental testicular lesions. (orig.)

A prospective study on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of testicular lesions: distinctive features of Leydig cell tumours

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manganaro, Lucia; Vinci, Valeria; Saldari, Matteo; Bernardo, Silvia; Cantisani, Vito; Catalano, Carlo [Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Radiology, Rome (Italy); Pozza, Carlotta; Gianfrilli, Daniele; Pofi, Riccardo; Lenzi, Andrea; Isidori, Andrea M. [Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome (Italy); Scialpi, Michele [Perugia University, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Radiology 2, Perugia (Italy)

2015-12-15

Up to 20 % of incidentally found testicular lesions are benign Leydig cell tumours (LCTs). This study evaluates the role of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the identification of LCTs in a large prospective cohort study. We enrolled 44 consecutive patients with at least one solid non-palpable testicular lesion who underwent scrotal MRI. Margins of the lesions, signal intensity and pattern of wash-in and wash-out were analysed by two radiologists. The frequency distribution of malignant and benign MRI features in the different groups was compared by using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated. The sensitivity of scrotal MRI to diagnose LCTs was 89.47 % with 95.65 % specificity; sensitivity for malignant lesions was 95.65 % with 80.95 % specificity. A markedly hypointense signal on T2-WI, rapid and marked wash-in followed by a prolonged washout were distinctive features significantly associated with LCTs. Malignant lesions were significantly associated with blurred margins, weak hypointense signal on T2-WI,and weak and progressive wash-in. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 93 %. LCTs have distinctive contrast-enhanced MRI features that allow the differential diagnosis of incidental testicular lesions. (orig.)

Incorporating intelligence into structured radiology reports

Science.gov (United States)

Kahn, Charles E.

2014-03-01

The new standard for radiology reporting templates being developed through the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) and DICOM organizations defines the storage and exchange of reporting templates as Hypertext Markup Language version 5 (HTML5) documents. The use of HTML5 enables the incorporation of "dynamic HTML," in which documents can be altered in response to their content. HTML5 documents can employ JavaScript, the HTML Document Object Model (DOM), and external web services to create intelligent reporting templates. Several reporting templates were created to demonstrate the use of scripts to perform in-template calculations and decision support. For example, a template for adrenal CT was created to compute contrast washout percentage from input values of precontrast, dynamic postcontrast, and delayed adrenal nodule attenuation values; the washout value can used to classify an adrenal nodule as a benign cortical adenoma. Dynamic templates were developed to compute volumes and apply diagnostic criteria, such as those for determination of internal carotid artery stenosis. Although reporting systems need not use a web browser to render the templates or their contents, the use of JavaScript creates innumerable opportunities to construct highly sophisticated HTML5 reporting templates. This report demonstrates the ability to incorporate dynamic content to enhance the use of radiology reporting templates.

Positron emission tomography of hepatic first-pass metabolism of ammonia in pig

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keiding, S.; Munk, O.L.; Roelsgaard, K.; Bender, D.; Bass, L.

2001-01-01

Hepatic first-pass metabolism plays a key role in metabolic regulation and drug metabolism. Metabolic processes can be quantified in vivo by positron emission tomography scanning (PET). We wished to develop a PET technique to measure hepatic first-pass metabolism of ammonia. Seven anaesthetised pigs were given positron-labelled ammonia, 13 NH 3 , into the portal vein and into the vena cava as successive 2-min infusions followed by 22-min dynamic liver scanning. Vena cava infusion data were used to account for recirculation of tracer and metabolites following the portal vein infusion. The scan data were analysed by a model of sinusoidal zonation of ammonia metabolism with periportal urea formation and perivenous formation of glutamine. The hepatic extraction fraction of 13 NH 3 was 0.73±0.16 (mean±SD, n=7 pigs). Values of clearance of ammonia to urea and to glutamine were obtained, as were rate constants for washout of these two metabolites. Overall, the modelling showed half of the ammonia uptake to be converted to urea and half to glutamine. The washout rate constant for glutamine was about one-tenth of that for urea. We conclude that hepatic first-pass metabolism of ammonia was successfully assessed by PET. (orig.)

In vivo imaging of GABA{sub A} receptors using sequential whole-volume iodine-123 iomazenil single-photon emission tomography

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Busatto, G.F. [Dept. of Psychological Medicine, Inst. of Psychiatry, London (United Kingdom); Pilowsky, L.S. [Dept. of Psychological Medicine, Inst. of Psychiatry, London (United Kingdom); Costa, D.C. [Inst. of Nuclear Medicine, University Coll. and Middlesex School of Medicine, London (United Kingdom); Ell, P.J. [Inst. of Nuclear Medicine, University Coll. and Middlesex School of Medicine, London (United Kingdom); Lingford-Hughes, A. [Dept. of Psychological Medicine, Inst. of Psychiatry, London (United Kingdom); Kerwin, R.W. [Dept. of Psychological Medicine, Inst. of Psychiatry, London (United Kingdom)

1995-01-01

Using a brain-dedicated triple-headed single-photon emission tomography (SPET) system, a sequential whole-volume imaging protocol has been devised to evaluate the regional distribution of iodine-123 iomazenil binding to GABA{sub A} receptors in the entire brain. The protocol was piloted in eight normal volunteers (seven males and one female; mean age, 24.8{+-}3.9 years). The patterns obtained were largely compatible with the known distribution of GABA{sub A} receptors in the brain as reported in autoradiographic studies, with cerebral cortical regions, particularly the occipital and frontal cortices, displaying the highest {sup 123}I-iomazenil uptake. Measures of time to peak uptake and tracer washout rates presented with the same pattern of regional variation, with later times to peak and slower washout rates in cortical regions compared to other brain areas. Semiquantitative analysis of the data using white matter/ventricle regions as reference demonstrated a plateau of specific {sup 123}I-iomazenil binding in neocortical and cerebellar regions from 60-75 min onwards. These data demonstrate the feasibility of sequential, dynamic whole-volume {sup 123}I-iomazenil SPET imaging. The protocol may be particularly useful in the investigation of neuropsychiatric conditions which are likely to involve more than one focus of GABA abnormalities, such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. (orig.)

Linear combinations come alive in crossover designs.

Science.gov (United States)

Shuster, Jonathan J

2017-10-30

Before learning anything about statistical inference in beginning service courses in biostatistics, students learn how to calculate the mean and variance of linear combinations of random variables. Practical precalculus examples of the importance of these exercises can be helpful for instructors, the target audience of this paper. We shall present applications to the "1-sample" and "2-sample" methods for randomized short-term 2-treatment crossover studies, where patients experience both treatments in random order with a "washout" between the active treatment periods. First, we show that the 2-sample method is preferred as it eliminates "conditional bias" when sample sizes by order differ and produces a smaller variance. We also demonstrate that it is usually advisable to use the differences in posttests (ignoring baseline and post washout values) rather than the differences between the changes in treatment from the start of the period to the end of the period ("delta of delta"). Although the intent is not to provide a definitive discussion of crossover designs, we provide a section and references to excellent alternative methods, where instructors can provide motivation to students to explore the topic in greater detail in future readings or courses. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of Tumor Angiogenesis Using Dynamic Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Comparison of Plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Hemodynamic, and Pharmacokinetic Parameters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ikeda, O.; Nishimura, R.; Miyayama, H.; Yasunaga, T.; Ozaki, Y.; Tuji, A.; Yamashita, Y.

2004-01-01

Purpose: To assess whether tumor angiogenesis of breast cancers can be predicted on the basis of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods: Seventy-one patients with 71 breast cancers underwent Gd-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI. Two regions of interest measurements were obtained in the periphery and in the center of the breast cancers. Hemodynamic parameters obtained by dynamic MRI included peak time, contrast enhancement ratio (CE ratio), and washout ratio. The triexponential concentration curve of Gd-DTPA was fitted to a theoretical model based on compartmental analysis. The transfer constant (or permeability surface product per unit volume of compartment 'k') was obtained using this method. Tumor angiogenesis was assessed by plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (P-VEGF). Results: The P-VEGF was positive in 28 of 71 tumors (39%). The CE ratio, washout ratio, and k in the periphery in P-VEGF positive breast cancers (mean 178%, 18%, and 1.5x10 -2 (s-1)) were significantly greater (P -2 (s-1)). The peak time in the periphery in P-VEGF positive breast cancers was more marked than for P-VEGF negative breast cancers, but this difference was not significant. Conclusion: The hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic analysis of MRI provides valuable information about angiogenesis of breast cancers

Prediction of cardiac events in patients with transient left ventricle dilation on stress myocardial perfusion SPECT images

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fukuda, Hiroshi; Moroi, Masao

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate cardiac events in patients with transient left ventricle (LV) dilation on stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography images (MPI). Consecutive patients (n=53, 31 males, mean age 71 years) with transient LV dilation on thallium-201 stress MPI (treadmill: 21, pharmacologic: 32) were followed for 17 months. Follow-up time was censored at the occurrence of cardiac death, congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, or revascularization. Images were scored and then the summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score, and summed difference score were calculated. Cardiac death occurred in 3 patients, hospitalization occurred in 8 patients, and revascularization occurred in 20 patients. The combined cardiac event rate was 59% (76% for exercise stress vs 47% for pharmacologic stress, p=0.034.). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that a combination of higher SSS and slow washout rate was the best predictor of cardiac events (hazard ratio=3.3, p=0.029). A high cardiac event rate is associated with transient LV dilation on thallium-201 stress MPI. The event rate is particularly high for exercise stress MPI. Furthermore, a combination of the SSS and thallium-201 slow washout is the best predictor of cardiac events in patients with transient LV dilation. (author)

Production of proteinase A by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a cell-recycling fermentation system: Experiments and computer simulations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Grøn, S.; Biedermann, K.; Emborg, Claus

1996-01-01

experimentally and by computer simulations. Experiments and simulations showed that cell mass and product concentration were enhanced by high ratios of recycling. Additional simulations showed that the proteinase A concentration decreased drastically at high dilution rates and the optimal volumetric...... productivities were at high dilution rates just below washout and at high ratios of recycling. Cell-recycling fermentation gave much higher volumetric productivities and stable product concentrations in contrast to simple continuous fermentation....

Bone blood flow measured by 41Ar clearance formed by 44Ca(n,α)41Ar

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosenthal, M.S.; DeLuca, P.M. Jr.; Pearson, D.W.; Nickles, R.J.

1983-01-01

A technique to measure regional inert gas washout in bone, in vivo, by measuring 41 Ar clearance formed by fast-neutron activation of 44 Ca has been developed. Following fast-neutron irradiation of whole rats, the perfusion-limited clearance of 41 Ar was measured for both dead and living rats. The clearance rate for the live rats indicate that the bone perfusion is in the range of 3 to 20 ml/100 Argon distribution volume

Xe-133 accumulation in fatty liver: hepatic uptake and washout correlated with pulmonary and mesenteric retention

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samuels, L.D.

1980-01-01

Xe-133 uptake in patients with fatty livers is described and compared with uptake and retention in lungs, blood and mesenteric fat and with normal hepatic uptake. In the absence of obstructive lung disease or excessive obesity, Xe-133 uptake and retention is a valuable means of screening patients for the presence of fatty liver. Although non-specific for the etiology of fatty liver, the test is an effective and non-invasive method of detection which merits further application. (author)

Delayed uptake and washout of contrast in non-viable infarcted myocardium shown with dynamic computed tomography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Udholm, Sebastian; Laugesen, Sofie; Agger, Peter

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND: Assessment of ischemic but potentially viable myocardium plays an important role in the planning of coronary revascularization. Until now SPECT, PET, and MRI have been used to identify viable myocardium. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used to diagnose coronary atherosclerosis...... descending artery, followed by removal of the balloon and reperfusion. Four pigs died due to refractory ventricular fibrillation. After 6 weeks, dynamic cardiac CT was performed assessing both wall motion and contrast attenuation. Measurements of attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) in the infarct...

Values of kinetic features measured by computer-aided for breast MRI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Lina; Zhao Zuowei; Song Qingwei; Wang Shaowu; Miao Yanwei

2012-01-01

Objective: To investigate the value of kinetic features measured by computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) for breast MRI. Methods: One hundred and sixty four lesions diagnosed pathologically by operation or biopsy comprised the analysis set. Automated lesion kinetic information from CADStream programs for breast MRI was identified. Three CAD variables were compared for benign and malignant lesions: initial phase peak enhancement (greatest percentage of signal intensity increase on first contrast enhanced sequence), delayed phase enhancement categorized by a single type of kinetics comprising the largest percentage of enhancement (washout, plateau, or persistent), and delayed phase enhancement categorized by single most suspicious type of kinetics (any washout > any plateau > any persistent). Morphological characteristics of breast lesions were described according to breast imaging and reporting data system (BI-RADS). Initial phase peak enhancement mean values between benign and malignant breast lesions were compared by using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, delayed phase enhancement categorized by a single type of kinetics comprising the largest percentage of enhancement or by single most suspicious type of kinetics between benign and malignant breast lesions were compared by using Chi-square test. Results: There were 72 benign and 92 malignant breast lesions. A total of 123 (75.0%) mass lesions were identified,and the other 41 (25.0%) lesions showed no mass. Thirty lesions were BI-RADS-MRI 2, 68 lesions were BI-RADS-MRI 3, 43 lesions were BI-RADS-MRI 4, 23 lesions were BI-RADS-MRI 5. Initial phase peak enhancement mean values of benign and malignant lesions were 237% (69% to 629%) and 336% (86% to 793%), respectively. There was no significant difference between benign and malignant lesions in initial peak enhancement mean value (Z=-1.626, P=0.104). Delayed phase enhancement categorized by single most suspicious type of kinetics (any washout > any plateau > any persistent) for

Single-photon emission tomography imaging of serotonin transporters in the non-human primate brain with the selective radioligand [[sup 123]I]IDAM

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acton, P.D.; Kung Mei-Ping; Mu Mu; Ploessl, K.; Hou, C.; Siciliano, M.; Oya Shunichi (Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (United States)); Kung, H.F. (Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (United States) Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (United States))

1999-08-01

A new radioligand, 5-iodo-2-[[2-2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenyl]thio]benzyl alcohol ([[sup 123]I]IDAM), has been developed for selective single-photon emission tomography (SPET) imaging of SERT. In vitro binding studies suggest a high selectivity of IDAM for SERT (K[sub i]=0.097 nM), with considerably lower affinities for norepinephrine and dopamine transporters (NET K[sub i]= 234 nM and DAT K[sub i]>10 [mu]M, respectively). In this study the biodistribution of SERT in the baboon brain was investigated in vivo using [[sup 123]I]IDAM and SPET imaging. Dynamic sequences of SPET scans were performed on three female baboons (Papio anubis) after injection of 555 MBq of [[sup 123]I]IDAM. Displacing doses (1 mg/kg) of the selective SERT ligand (+)McN5652 were administered 90-120 min after injection of [[sup 123]I]IDAM. Similar studies were performed using a NET inhibitor, nisoxetine, and a DAT blocker, methylphenidate. After 60-120 min, the regional distribution of tracer within the brain reflected the characteristic distribution of SERT, with the highest uptake in the midbrain area (hypothalamus, raphe nucleus, substantia nigra), and the lowest uptake in the cerebellum (an area presumed free of SERT). Peak specific binding in the midbrain occurred at 120 min, with a ratio to the cerebellum of 1.80[+-]0.13. At 30 min, 85% of the radioactivity in the blood was metabolite. Following injection of a competing SERT ligand, (+)McN5652, the tracer exhibited rapid washout from areas with high concentrations of SERT (dissociation rate constant in the midbrain, averaged over three baboons, k[sub off]=0.025[+-]0.002 min[sup -1]), while the cerebellar activity distribution was undisturbed (washout rate 0.0059[+-] 0.0003 min[sup -1]). Calculation of tracer washout rate pixel-by-pixel enabled the generation of parametric images of the dissociation rate constant. Similar studies using nisoxetine and methylphenidate had no effect on the distribution of [[sup 123]I]IDAM in the brain

Investigation of the Behavioral Characteristics of Dogs Purpose-Bred and Prepared to Perform Vapor Wake® Detection of Person-Borne Explosives

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucia Lazarowski

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Specialized detector dogs are increasingly being utilized for the detection of modern threats. The Vapor Wake® (VW dog was developed to create a dog phenotype ideally suited for detecting hand-carried and body-worn explosives. VW dogs (VWDs are trained to sample and alert to target odors in the aerodynamic wakes of moving persons, which entrains vapor and small particles from the person. The behavioral characteristics necessary for dogs to be successfully trained and employed for the application of VW are a distinct subset of the desired general characteristics of dogs used for detection tasks due to the dynamic nature of moving targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral characteristics of candidate detector dogs to determine the particular qualities that set apart VW-capable dogs from others. We assessed 146 candidate detector dogs from a VW breeding and training program. Dogs received identical puppy development and foundational odor training and underwent performance evaluations at 3, 6, 10, and 12 months old, after which they were sold for service. Dogs were categorized based on their final outcome of the training program, independently determined by private vendors, corresponding to three groups: dogs successfully sold for VW, dogs sold for standard explosives detection, and dogs that failed to be placed in any type of detector dog service (Washouts. Comparisons of behavioral evaluations between the groups were made across domains pertaining to search-related behaviors (Performance, reactions to novel stimuli (Environmental, and overall ease of learning new tasks (Trainability. Comparisons were also made at each evaluation to determine any early emergence of differences. VWDs scored significantly higher on Performance characteristics compared to standard explosives detection dogs (EDDs and Washouts. However, Environmental characteristics did not differentiate VWDs from EDDs, though scores on these measures were

Continuous In Situ Measurements of Near Bottom Chemistry and Sediment-Water Fluxes with the Chimney Sampler Array (CSA)

Science.gov (United States)

Martens, C. S.; Mendlovitz, H. P.; White, B. L.; Hoer, D.; Sleeper, K.; Chanton, J.; Wilson, R.; Lapham, L.

2011-12-01

The Chimney Sampler Array (CSA) was designed to measure in situ chemical and physical parameters within the benthic boundary layer plus methane and oxygen sediment-water chemical fluxes at upper slope sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The CSA can monitor temporal changes plus help to evaluate oceanographic and sub-seafloor processes that can influence the formation and stability of gas hydrates in underlying sediments. The CSA consists of vertical cylinders (chimneys) equipped with internal chemical sensors and with laboratory flume-calibrated washout rates. Chimney washout rates multiplied by chimney mean versus ambient concentrations allow calculation of net O2 and methane sediment-water fluxes. The CSA is emplaced on the seafloor by a ROVARD lander using a ROV for chimney deployments. The CSA presently includes two 30 cm diameter by 90 cm length cylinders that seal against the sediment with lead pellet beanbags; within each chimney cylinder are optode, conductivity and methane sensors. The CSA's data logger platform also includes pressure and turbidity sensors external to the chimneys along with an acoustic Doppler current meter to measure temporal variation in ambient current velocity and direction. The CSA was deployed aboard a ROVARD lander on 9/13/2010 in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Lat. 28 51.28440, Long. 088 29.39421) on biogeochemically active sediments within Block MC-118. A ROV was utilized for chimney deployment away from the ROVARD lander. The CSA monitored temporal changes in water column physical parameters, obtained near-bottom chemical data to compare with pore fluid and sediment core measurements and measured temporal variability in oxygen and methane sediment-water fluxes at two closely spaced stations at MC-118. A continuous, three-week data set was obtained that revealed daily cycles in chemical parameters and episodic flux events. Lower than ambient chimney dissolved O2 concentrations controlled by temporal variability in washout rates

Simulación de Plataformas Robóticas de Movimiento para Aplicaciones de Realidad Virtual Mediante Filtros Digitales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sergio Casas

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Resumen: El uso de plataformas robóticas de movimiento en simuladores de vehículos y aplicaciones de Realidad Virtual es relativamente habitual. Sin embargo, el ajuste de los algoritmos que controlan su funcionamiento, denominados algoritmos de washout, no es sencillo y requiere de numerosas pruebas hasta obtener una apropiada fidelidad de movimiento. Disponer de herramientas que permitan simular plataformas de movimiento puede permitir simplificar esta tarea. Es por ello que este trabajo presenta un método para la caracterización y simulación de manipuladores robóticos mediante filtros digitales de segundo orden, sencillo de implementar y ajustar a partir de una caracterización previa. El simulador se construye con el objetivo de permitir la simulación rápida de manipuladores robóticos y se ejemplifica con una plataforma de dos grados de libertad, aunque el método propuesto podría emplearse en otros dispositivos. En las pruebas realizadas se valida la precisión y velocidad de la simulación, concluyéndose que se obtiene una fidelidad satisfactoria y una velocidad de simulación elevada que permite emplear el simulador como sustituto del hardware real con algoritmos de washout. Abstract: Robotic motion platforms are used in many vehicle simulators and Virtual Reality applications. However, the set-up of the so-called washout algorithms that control the generation of self-motion is a hard process, since a great deal of tests need to be performed before reaching a proper motion fidelity. The availability of simulation tools eases this tuning task. Therefore, a motion platform characterization and simulation method is proposed in this paper. The method relies on second order digital filters and provides a reliable, yet very fast simulation system, which is assessed by means of a two degree-of-freedom motion platform, although the method might be applied to simulate other motion mechanisms. Palabras clave: Plataformas de movimiento

Investigation of the Behavioral Characteristics of Dogs Purpose-Bred and Prepared to Perform Vapor Wake® Detection of Person-Borne Explosives.

Science.gov (United States)

Lazarowski, Lucia; Haney, Pamela Sue; Brock, Jeanne; Fischer, Terry; Rogers, Bart; Angle, Craig; Katz, Jeffrey S; Waggoner, L Paul

2018-01-01

Specialized detector dogs are increasingly being utilized for the detection of modern threats. The Vapor Wake ® (VW) dog was developed to create a dog phenotype ideally suited for detecting hand-carried and body-worn explosives. VW dogs (VWDs) are trained to sample and alert to target odors in the aerodynamic wakes of moving persons, which entrains vapor and small particles from the person. The behavioral characteristics necessary for dogs to be successfully trained and employed for the application of VW are a distinct subset of the desired general characteristics of dogs used for detection tasks due to the dynamic nature of moving targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral characteristics of candidate detector dogs to determine the particular qualities that set apart VW-capable dogs from others. We assessed 146 candidate detector dogs from a VW breeding and training program. Dogs received identical puppy development and foundational odor training and underwent performance evaluations at 3, 6, 10, and 12 months old, after which they were sold for service. Dogs were categorized based on their final outcome of the training program, independently determined by private vendors, corresponding to three groups: dogs successfully sold for VW, dogs sold for standard explosives detection, and dogs that failed to be placed in any type of detector dog service (Washouts). Comparisons of behavioral evaluations between the groups were made across domains pertaining to search-related behaviors (Performance), reactions to novel stimuli (Environmental), and overall ease of learning new tasks (Trainability). Comparisons were also made at each evaluation to determine any early emergence of differences. VWDs scored significantly higher on Performance characteristics compared to standard explosives detection dogs (EDDs) and Washouts. However, Environmental characteristics did not differentiate VWDs from EDDs, though scores on these measures were significantly

Assessment of 7Be content in precipitation in a South American semi-arid environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Juri Ayub, J.; Lohaiza, F.; Velasco, H.; Rizzotto, M.; Di Gregorio, D.; Huck, H.

2012-01-01

There are two naturally occurring radiogenic isotopes of beryllium, 7 Be and 10 Be. These are produced when cosmic radiation interacts with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. After production, these radionuclides are input to ecosystems through wet and dry deposition. In recent years 7 Be and 10 Be have proved to be powerful tools for studying dynamic processes that occur on the surface of the earth. We measured the 7 Be content in precipitation at a semiarid location in central Argentina. From November 2006 to March 2009, 68 precipitation events were collected. Measured 7 Be content ranged from 0.7 ± 0.4 Bq L −1 to 3.2 ± 0.7 Bq L −1 , with a mean of 1.7 Bq L −1 ± 0.6 Bq L −1 . Beryllium-7 content of rainfall did not show clear relationships with amount of rainfall (mm), mean intensity (mm h −1 ) or duration (h −1 ), or elapsed time between events (day). The general results indicate that for the typical range of precipitation there was no atmospheric washout and that the reload of the atmosphere is not a relevant factor, but when the amount of precipitation is very high washout may occur. On the other hand, when the 7 Be content was measured during single rain events, a high content of this radionuclide was found to be associated with very low rainfall intensity (≈ 3 mm h −1 ), this suggests that rain intensity could affect the 7 Be content. Using all data, a good linear relationship between 7 Be deposition and rain magnitude was obtained (r 2 = 0.82, p 7 Be or by estimating the input of 10 Be in the environment with the aim to evaluate land degradation phenomena. -- Highlights: ► 7 Be in precipitation was measured at a semiarid location in central Argentina. ► No atmospheric washout was observed except for one high precipitation event. ► Wet deposition of 7 Be was linearly correlated with precipitation. ► This relationship may be applied as a tool for assessing environmental processes. ► The latter includes natural processes as

Association of myocardial inotropic reserve and adrenergic nerve alterations in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. A dobutamine stress echocardiographic and 123-I-MIBG scintigraphic study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prassopoulos, V.P.; Koukouraki, S.; Velidaki, A.; Karkavitsas, N.; Parthenakis, F.; Patrianakos, A.; Kochiadakis, G.; Papadimitriou, E.; Vardas, P.

2002-01-01

Aim: Evaluation of contractile reserve is important in congestive hear failure. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the myocardial response to dobutamine by stress echocardiography and the sympathetic nerve alterations by 123-I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)scintigraphy and how both contribute to predict exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials-Methods: We studied 20 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and ejection fraction < 45% (M/F 13/7, age 56±11 years) while 15 healthy individuals served as controls. Echocardiography and myocardial scintigraphic study with 123-I- MIBG, provided quantitative assessment of left ventricular (LV) wall motion and heart to mediastinum uptake(H/M) ratio and washout. All patients underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test with a modified Naughton protocol and gas exchange data were analyzed. According to LV response to dobutamine, patients were divided into two groups: those in whom contractility improved in ≥ five segments (Group I: 11 patients) and those in whom contractility improved in < 5 segments (Group II : 9 patients). Results: MIBG uptake was significantly lower in patients than in controls (p < 0.001). MIBG uptake and washout was higher in Group I compared to Group II (P<0,01 and p<0,05). Late MIBG H/M was correlated with resting ejection fraction (r=0,70), wall motion score index (WMSI) (r=-0,50), end systolic wall stress (r=-0,61), washout (r=-0,57), and oxygen consumption at peak exercise (r=0,64) and at anaerobic threshold (r=0,67). LV ejection fraction increased in both groups at Dobutamine, with a higher increase in Group I (p=0,008). WMSI changes at dobutamine correlated significantly with resting ejection fraction (r=0,46) early (r=0,53) and late (r=0,54) MIBG. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the late MIBG uptake was independently associated with the improvement in WMSI. Conclusions: The present data indicate that in

Borehole Gravity Meter Surveys at the Waste Treatment Plant, Hanford, Washington.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

MacQueen, Jeffrey D.; Mann, Ethan

2007-04-06

Microg-LaCoste (MGL) was contracted by Pacfic Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) to record borehole gravity density data in 3 wells at the HanfordWaste Treatment Plant (WTP) site. The survey was designed to provide highly accurate density information for use in seismic modeling. The borehole gravity meter (BHGM) tool has a very large depth of investigation (hundreds of feet) compared to other density tools so it is not influenced by casing or near welbore effects, such as washouts.

Blood flow rate measurements with indicator techniques revisited

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sejrsen, Per; Bülow, Jens

2009-01-01

In view of the emerging role, disturbances in regional blood flow rate seem to play in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome; we review the concepts of the classical indicator dilution and washout techniques used for determinations of regional blood flow rate. Prerequisites, assumptions......, necessary precautions for the application of these experimental techniques are emphasized. Special attention has been carried out to elucidate the consequence of a choice of indicators having a large distribution volume in the tissues....

Composition and antioxidant properties of fresh and frozen stored blackthorn fruits (Prunus spinosa L.)

OpenAIRE

Elżbieta Sikora; Małgorzata I. Bieniek; Barbara Borczak

2013-01-01

  Aim. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) is quite widespread bush occurring in Poland. Its fruits are easily available food products. The aim of this study was to investigate the basal chemical composition, especially antioxidant compounds in fresh and frozen stored blackthorn fruits. Material  and methods. Research material consisted of blackthorn fruits collected from the wild grown bushes, near Łącko. In the wash-out, dried and stone-loss fruits, the content of dry matter, protein, ...

Effects of moderate-dose versus high-dose trimethoprim on serum creatinine and creatinine clearance and adverse reactions.

OpenAIRE

Naderer, O; Nafziger, A N; Bertino, J S

1997-01-01

The effects of a 10-day course of moderate-dose (10 mg/kg/day) or high-dose (20 mg/kg/day) trimethoprim therapy on serum creatinine, measured creatinine clearance, urinary creatinine excretion, and serum folate were studied in 20 healthy volunteers. Serum creatinine concentrations increased significantly during trimethoprim therapy, began to decrease near day 10, and returned to baseline during the washout phase at both dosage levels. At the same time, measured creatinine clearance and urine ...

Development of Food Functions and Production Process for Onion Vinegar Using a Two-Stage Continuous-Tank Reactor

OpenAIRE

小林, 秀彰; 山口, 文; 富田, 弘毅; 中井, 義昭; 管野, 亨; 小林, 正義; KOBAYASHI, Hideaki; YAMAGUCHI, Kazaru; TOMITA, Koki; NAKAI, Yoshiaki; KANNO, Tohru; KOBAYASHI, Masayoshi

1998-01-01

A two-stage continuous-tank reactor was developed to optimize the production of onion vinegar, and the onion vinegar produced was studied to determine its benefits for human health. The ”Silan ring” porous ceramics support was available to immobilize microorganisms, maintain higher mechanical strength and provide a stable rate of alcohol production even at higher dilution rates than 1.2 hr^, without wash-out. The forced cyclic operation of reaction temperature yielded an increase of 25％ for ...

Impact of metformin versus repaglinide on non-glycaemic cardiovascular risk markers related to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lund, Søren S; Tarnow, Lise; Stehouwer, Coen D A

2008-01-01

-month washout between interventions. RESULTS: Levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen, tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen, von Willebrand factor, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and soluble E-selectin were significantly lower during metformin...... versus repaglinide treatments. In contrast, Amadori albumin and heart rate were higher during metformin versus repaglinide. Levels of interleukin-6, fibrinogen, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, asymmetric dimethylarginine and advanced glycation end products as well as glycaemic levels...

Imaging Hypoxia in Xenografted and Murine Tumors with 18F-Fluoroazomycin Arabinoside: A Comparative Study Involving microPET, Autoradiography, pO2-Polarography, and Fluorescence Microscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Busk, Morten; Horsman, Michael R; Jakobsen, Steen

2008-01-01

([(18)F]-FAZA), a promising tracer with improved washout kinetics from oxygenated tissue. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three squamous cell carcinomas and one fibrosarcoma with widely differing spatial patterns of vascularization, hypoxia, and necrosis were grown in mice and evaluated with PET...... in vascular hot spots. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of [(18)F]-FAZA is consistent with hypoxia as the key driving force for tracer tissue retention in a selection of tumors with widely differing physiology. Udgivelsesdato: 2008-Mar-15...

Concentrated dark matter: Enhanced small-scale structure from codecaying dark matter

OpenAIRE

Dror, Jeff A.; Kuflik, Eric; Melcher, Brandon; Watson, Scott

2018-01-01

We study the cosmological consequences of codecaying dark matter—a recently proposed mechanism for depleting the density of dark matter through the decay of nearly degenerate particles. A generic prediction of this framework is an early dark matter dominated phase in the history of the Universe, that results in the enhanced growth of dark matter perturbations on small scales. We compute the duration of the early matter dominated phase and show that the perturbations are robust against washout...

Renal effects of carprofen and etodolac in euvolemic and volume-depleted dogs.

Science.gov (United States)

Surdyk, Kathryn K; Sloan, Dawn L; Brown, Scott A

2012-09-01

To determine the effects of carprofen and etodolac on renal function in euvolemic dogs and dogs with extracellular fluid volume depletion induced via administration of furosemide. 12 female Beagles. Dogs received a placebo, furosemide, carprofen, etodolac, furosemide and carprofen, and furosemide and etodolac. The order in which dogs received treatments was determined via a randomization procedure. Values of urine specific gravity, various plasma biochemical variables, glomerular filtration rate (GFR [urinary clearance of creatinine]), and renal plasma flow (urinary clearance of para-aminohippuric acid) were determined before and after 8 days of drug administration. A washout time of approximately 12 days was allowed between treatment periods. Administration of furosemide, furosemide and carprofen, and furosemide and etodolac caused changes in urine specific gravity and values of plasma biochemical variables. Administration of carprofen or etodolac alone did not have a significant effect on renal plasma flow or GFR. Concurrent administration of furosemide and carprofen or furosemide and etodolac caused a significant decrease in GFR. After 12-day washout periods, mean values of GFR were similar to values before drug administration for all treatments. Results indicated GFR decreased after 8 days of concurrent administration of furosemide and carprofen or furosemide and etodolac to dogs. Administration of preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors to dogs with extracellular fluid volume depletion or to dogs treated with diuretics may transiently impair renal function.

Regional registration of [6-14C]glucose metabolism during brain activation of α-syntrophin knockout mice

Science.gov (United States)

Cruz, Nancy F.; Ball, Kelly K.; Froehner, Stanley C.; Adams, Marvin E.; Dienel, Gerald A.

2013-01-01

α-Syntrophin is a component of the dystrophin scaffold-protein complex that serves as an adaptor for recruitment of key proteins to the cytoplasmic side of plasma membranes. α-Syntrophin knockout (KO) causes loss of the polarized localization of aquaporin4 (AQP4) at astrocytic endfeet and interferes with water and K+ homeostasis. During brain activation, release of ions and metabolites from endfeet is anticipated to increase perivascular fluid osmolarity, AQP4-mediated osmotic water flow from endfeet, and metabolite washout from brain. This study tests the hypothesis that reduced levels of endfoot AQP4 increase retention of [14C]metabolites during sensory stimulation. Conscious KO and wildtype mice were pulse-labeled with [6-14C]glucose during unilateral acoustic stimulation or bilateral acoustic plus whisker stimulation, and label retention was assayed by computer-assisted brain imaging or analysis of [14C]metabolites in extracts, respectively. High-resolution autoradiographic assays detected a 17% side-to-side difference (P<0.05) in inferior colliculus of KO mice, not wildtype mice. However, there were no labeling differences between KO and wildtype mice for five major HPLC fractions from four dissected regions, presumably due to insufficient anatomical resolution. The results suggest a role for AQP4-mediated water flow in support of washout of metabolites, and underscore the need for greater understanding of astrocytic water and metabolite fluxes. PMID:23346911

Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System on CT and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cha, Dong Ik; Jang, Kyung Mi; Kim, Seong Hyun; Kang, Tae Wook; Song, Kyoung Doo [Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2017-10-15

To assess major imaging features of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) on contrast-enhanced CT and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and to estimate whether the combination of signal intensity favouring HCC on hepatobiliary phase (HBP) and diffusion-weighted images (DWI) can act as a major feature in LI-RADS. Four hundred twenty one patients with 445 observations were included. Major features of LI-RADS on CT and MRI as well as HBP and DWI features were assessed. Diagnostic performances of LR-5 according to LI-RADS v2014 and modified LI-RADS which incorporate combination of HBP and DWI were assessed. Pairwise comparisons of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed. For HCCs, capsule appearance had the highest rate of discordance between CT and MRI (32.7%), followed by washout appearance (22.2%). Specificity (75%) of LR-5 of LI-RADS v2014 was lower than that (77.1-79.2%) of modified LI-RADS. Area under the ROC curve of modified LI-RADS (0.755-0.775) was not significantly different from that of LI-RADS v 2014 (0.709) (p > 0.05). There were substantial discordances between CT and MRI for capsule and washout appearances in hepatic observations, and combination of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI might be able to be incorporated as a major feature of LI-RADS. (orig.)

Pressure-flow characteristics and nutritional capacity of coronary veins in dogs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cohen, M.V.; Matsuki, T.; Downey, J.M.

1988-01-01

To examine the hemodynamic interdependence of coronary arteries and veins, great cardiac vein (GCV) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery flows of dogs were measured. Although they were not different under base-line conditions, 42.9 +/- 4.1 and 34.9 +/- 5.2 ml/min, respectively, LAD occlusion caused only a 56% decrease in GCV flow, whereas peak GCV flow during reactive hyperemia consistently underestimated peak LAD flow by nearly 40%. The measured hemodynamic data were very closely predicted by a simple model that assumed the presence of a low-resistance venous collateral anastomotic pathway between the GCV and veins outside the LAD territory. The resistance of the venous collaterals averaged 9.9 +/- 3.0% of LAD resistance. Therefore, GCV flow does not solely represent LAD collateral flow when the LAD is occluded, nor is it a reliable indicator of changes in LAD perfusion patterns. Nutritional myocardial perfusion assessed with 133 Xe washout decreased from 0.86 +/- 0.16 to 0.13 +/- 0.02 ml.min-1.g-1 after LAD occlusion, whereas retroperfusion of the GCV with arterial blood enhanced washout by 85% to 0.23 +/- 0.03 ml.min-1.g-1 (P less than 0.005). Retroperfusion was inefficient, however, since only 10% of the isotope injected into the GCV gained access to the myocardium

Skin blood flow from gas transport: helium xenon and laser Doppler compared

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neufeld, G.R.; Galante, S.R.; Whang, J.M.; DeVries, D.; Baumgardner, J.E.; Graves, D.J.; Quinn, J.A.

1988-03-01

A study was designed to compare three independent measures of cutaneous blood flow in normal healthy volunteers: xenon-133 washout, helium flux, and laser velocimetry. All measurements were confined to the volar aspect of the forearm. In a large group of subjects we found that helium flux through intact skin changes nonlinearly with the controlled local skin temperature whereas helium flux through stripped skin, which is directly proportional to skin blood flow, changes linearly with cutaneous temperature over the range 33 degrees to 42 degrees. In a second group of six volunteers we compared helium flux through stripped skin to xenon-133 washout (intact skin) at a skin temperature of 33 degrees, and we found an essentially linear relationship between helium flux and xenon measured blood flow. In a third group of subjects we compared helium flux blood flow (stripped skin) to laser doppler velocimetric (LDV) measurements (intact skin) at adjacent skin sites and found a nonlinear increase in the LDV skin blood flow compared to that determined by helium over the same temperature range. A possible explanation for the nonlinear increases of helium flux through intact skin and of LDV output with increasing local skin temperature is that they reflect more than a change in blood flow. They may also reflect physical changes in the stratum corneum, which alters its diffusional resistance to gas flux and its optical characteristics.

Application of high resolution NMR, ESR, and gamma-ray scintillation spectroscopy to the study of ligand binding in proteins

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lancione, G.V.

1982-01-01

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy has been employed to study the nature of the ligand binding site of alpha-1-antitrypsin. Spectra of spin-labeled alpha-1-antitrypsin were recorded at pH's ranging from 2.4 to 12.5. This data demonstrates the tight binding of the spin-label to the protease, and the sensitivity of the bound spin-label to informational changes in the protease inhibitor. A molecular dipstick approach has also been applied to this system and has yielded information on the geometry of the cleft accommodating the spin-label. 160 Terbium(III) exchange experiments have been performed on the acetylcholine receptor protein isolated from Torpedo californica, employing a specially designed flow dialysis apparatus constructed in the laboratory. The apparatus is designed to allow continuous monitoring of 160 Tb(III) gamma-ray emission from the protein compartment of the flow dialysis cell. Nicotinic ligand-induced displacement of 160 Tb(III) from the nicotinic binding site of the receptor was monitored as a funtion of (1) the concentration of nicotinic ligand in the washout buffer, and (2) the nature of the nicotinic ligand in the buffer. Measured 160 Tb(III) exchange half-lives indicate (1) a direct relationship between 160 Tb(III) displacement and nicotinic ligand concentration in the wash-out buffer, and (2) an enhanced 160 Tb(III) displacement for nicotinic agents possessing quaternary ammonium functions

A Pilot Study of the Normative Range of Overnight Urinary Free Cortisol Corrected for Creatinine in Children.

Science.gov (United States)

Wolthers, Ole D; Mersmann, Sabine; Dissanayake, Sanjeeva

2018-04-01

For more than a decade, urinary free cortisol corrected for creatinine (OUFCC) has been used to assess the systemic bioactivity of inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma. Paediatric normative ranges, however, have not been established. The aim of the present study was to define a preliminary range for OUFCC in Tanner stage 1 children. A post hoc analysis was performed of 26 Tanner stage one children (aged 5-11 years) with mild asthma only requiring prn (pro re nata) treatment with short-acting β 2 -agonists, who participated in a 3-way cross-over knemometry study. The study comprised a run-in, two washout periods and three treatment periods (2 weeks each). Urine was collected at the end of each period. A normative range was derived using the 95% prediction interval for the geometric mean OUFCC, calculated from run-in and washout periods. Twenty-six children contributed 41 OUFCC values. The geometric mean OUFCC was 9.0 nmol/mmol (95% PI: 3.6, 22.7 nmol/mmol). The OUFCC preliminary normative range was 3.6 to 22.7 nmol/mmol in Tanner stage one children. A larger study in healthy children is warranted to confirm these findings and to assess potential differences in OUFCC across developmental stages and age groups, and by gender and race. 2013-004719-32, CLINICALTRIALS. NCT02063139.

Reinforced spatial alternation as an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): investigation of 5-HT2C and 5-HT1D receptor involvement in OCD pathophysiology.

Science.gov (United States)

Tsaltas, Eleftheria; Kontis, Dimitris; Chrysikakou, Sofia; Giannou, Haralambos; Biba, Angeliki; Pallidi, Stella; Christodoulou, Angeliki; Maillis, Antonis; Rabavilas, Andreas

2005-05-15

This study introduces a laboratory model of compulsive behavior based on persistence in the context of rewarded spatial alternation. Rats were screened for spontaneous persistence during T-maze reinforced alternation. Experiment 1: One high and one low spontaneous persistence group (n = 8) received 20 injections of fluoxetine, a matched pair saline, both followed by 4 days of meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) challenge. Experiment 2: Five matched groups of rats (n = 9) received pretreatment (20 injections) with fluoxetine, mCPP, desipramine, diazepam or saline, followed by 4 days of mCPP challenge (fluoxetine in mCPP group). After washout, animals received 2 days of naratriptan, followed by another 2-day mCPP challenge. In both experiments mCPP significantly increased persistence in saline controls. Fluoxetine also acutely increased persistence scores: after a gradual return to baseline, these scores showed tolerance to mCPP. Experiment 1: This pattern was significant in high but not low initial persistence groups. Experiment 2: Fluoxetine and mCPP showed cross-tolerance. Neither desipramine nor diazepam protected against mCPP challenge. Persistence scores returned to baseline during washout and naratriptan and were thereafter increased by another mCPP challenge in all but the fluoxetine and mCPP groups, suggesting 5-HT2C receptor mediation. This model is based on spontaneous persistence behavior showing pharmacological responses concordant with those of compulsive symptomatology.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of focal nodular hyperplasia: a matter of size

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bertin, Caroline [Hopital Beaujon APHP, Radiology Department, Clichy (France); Egels, Sophie; Huynh-Charlier, Isabelle [Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere APHP, Radiology Department, Paris (France); Wagner, Mathilde [Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere APHP, Radiology Department, Paris (France); Universite Paris Diderot, INSERM, UMR 1149, Laboratoire IPMA, Centre de Recherche sur l' Inflammation, Faculte de Medecine X Bichat, Paris (France); Vilgrain, Valerie [Hopital Beaujon APHP, Radiology Department, Clichy (France); Universite Paris Diderot, INSERM, UMR 1149, Laboratoire IPMA, Centre de Recherche sur l' Inflammation, Faculte de Medecine X Bichat, Paris (France); Lucidarme, Olivier [Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere APHP, Radiology Department, Paris (France); Sorbonne Universites, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7371, INSERM UMRS 1146, Laboratoire d' Imagerie Biomedicale, Paris (France); Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere - Charles Foix, Service de Radiologie Polyvalente et Oncologique, Paris (France)

2014-10-15

To assess the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) frequencies of centrifugal enhancement, spoke-wheel sign and central scar in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) as a function of lesion size. Ninety-four FNHs were retrospectively reviewed to assess their largest diameter and enhancement pattern, including centrifugal enhancement from one central artery, spoke-wheel sign, diffuse or centripetal enhancement, central scar and late-phase washout. Mean FNH-lesion size was 3.7 ± 2.1 cm. Only 43.6 % of FNHs had centrifugal enhancement, with a spoke-wheel pattern (23.4 %) or without (20.2 %), while 56.4 % showed diffuse or centripetal enhancement. Centrifugal enhancement was observed in 73.9 % of FNHs ≤3.1 cm and 14.6 % of FNHs >3.1 cm (P < 10{sup -4}). Size and frequency of centrifugal enhancement were negatively correlated (r = -0.57, P < 10{sup -4}). The spoke-wheel pattern was also seen more frequently in smaller (37 %) than in larger FNHs (10.4 %) (P < 10{sup -3}). Late-phase washout was described in 5.3 % of FNHs and was not size-dependent. Lesions with a central scar were larger than those without, respectively, 5.7 ± 1.7 and 3.6 ± 2.0 cm (P = 0.012). Typical centrifugal enhancement yielding a confident FNH diagnosis is seen significantly more frequently when the lesion is ≤3.1 cm. (orig.)

Effect of various rinsing protocols after use of amine fluoride/stannous fluoride toothpaste on the bacterial composition of dental plaque.

Science.gov (United States)

van Loveren, C; Gerardu, V A M; Sissons, C H; van Bekkum, M; ten Cate, J M

2009-01-01

This clinical study evaluated the effect of different oral hygiene protocols on the bacterial composition of dental plaque. After a 2-week period of using fluoride-free toothpaste, 30 participants followed three 1-week experimental protocols, each followed by 2-week fluoride-free washout periods in a randomized crossover examiner-blind controlled trial. The 1-week experimental protocols comprised the use of AmF/SnF(2) toothpaste twice daily, after which participants either (1) rinsed with tap water, (2) did not rinse but only spat out the toothpaste, or (3) rinsed with an AmF/SnF(2) mouthwash. In the fluoride-free washout periods, the participants brushed their teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste without further instructions. Six hours after the last brushing (+/- rinsing) of each period, buccal plaque samples in the upper molar region were taken. The microbiota composition of the plaque samples was analyzed by checkerboard DNA:DNA hybridization. A statistically significant reduction was found in the total amount of DNA of the 39 major plaque species measured, and in the proportions of some acid-producing bacterial strains after the period having used the AmF/SnF(2) toothpaste + AmF/SnF(2) mouthrinsing. The results indicate that using the AmF/SnF(2) toothpaste and rinse combination could result in plaque of lower cariogenicity. Copyright 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Phencyclidine increased while isolation rearing did not affect progressive ratio responding in rats: Investigating potential models of amotivation in schizophrenia.

Science.gov (United States)

Amitai, Nurith; Powell, Susan B; Young, Jared W

2017-11-22

Schizophrenia is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1% of the global population with heterogeneous symptoms including positive, negative, and cognitive. While treatment for positive symptoms exists, none have been developed to treat negative symptoms. Animal models of schizophrenia are required to test targeted treatments and since patients exhibit reduced effort (breakpoints) for reward in a progressive ratio (PR) task, we examined the PR breakpoints of rats treated with the NMDA receptor antagonist phencyclidine or those reared in isolation - two common manipulations used to induce schizophrenia-relevant behaviors in rodents. In two cohorts, the PR breakpoint for a palatable food reward was examined in Long Evans rats after: 1) a repeated phencyclidine regimen; 2) A subchronic phencyclidine regimen followed by drug washout; and 3) post-weaning social isolation. Rats treated with repeated phencyclidine and those following washout from phencyclidine exhibited higher PR breakpoints than vehicle-treated rats. The breakpoint of isolation reared rats did not differ from those socially reared, despite abnormalities of these rats in other schizophrenia-relevant behaviors. Despite their common use for modeling other schizophrenia-relevant behaviors neither phencyclidine treatment nor isolation rearing recreated the motivational deficits observed in patients with schizophrenia, as measured by PR breakpoint. Other manipulations, and negative symptom-relevant behaviors, require investigation prior to testing putative therapeutics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vivo bio-distribution, clearance and toxicity assessment of biogenic silver and gold nanoparticles synthesized from Abutilon indicum in Wistar rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Mata, Rani; Nakkala, Jayachandra Reddy; Chandra, Varshney Khub; Raja, Kumar; Sadras, Sudha Rani

2018-07-01

This study reports the bio-distribution and clearance of Abutilon indicum silver and gold nanoparticles (AIAgNPs and AIAuNPs) in Wistar rats. Rats in different groups were orally administered with 5 and 10 mg/Kg BW of AIAgNPs and AIAuNPs (size 1-25 nm) for 28 days and few were maintained until 58 days of washout period. Serum biochemical parameters were not changed significantly at both doses of AIAuNPs and at lower concentration of AIAgNPs. But, with 10 mg/Kg BW of AIAgNPs rats showed elevated levels of AST, ALP and ALT on day 29, however, these levels were restored to normal after washout period. Liver oxidative stress markers were not altered with the treatment of AIAgNPs and AIAuNPs. ICP-OES analysis indicated bio-distribution of Ag and Au more in liver, kidney and spleen on day 29 and was found cleared on day 59. Histological analysis of nine vital organs indicated normal tissue architecture at both doses of AIAuNPs and lower dose of AIAgNPs. While the rats treated with higher dose of AIAgNPs showed mild liver sinusoid cell swelling on day 29, which also was recovered on day 59. Findings of this preclinical study indicate biocompatible nature of biogenic nanoparticles supporting their future biomedical applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of [11C]-(-)-phenylephrine as a functional heart neuronal PET agent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosario, Renato B. del; Jung, Y.-W.; Caraher, John; Chakraborty, Pulak K.; Wieland, Donald M.

1996-01-01

The in vivo behavior of (-)-[ 11 C]phenylephrine (PHEN) is compared with the structurally similar but monoamine oxidase (MAO)-resistant analog (-)-[ 11 C]-m-hydroxyephedrine (HED), which is an established heart neuronal marker. The chiral synthesis of PHEN has been achieved by direct methylation of (-)-m-octopamine with either 11 CH 3 I or CF 3 SO 11 3 CH 3 . These synthetic methods produced PHEN with a specific activity ranging from 500-1000 Ci/mmol, in a radiochemical yield of >50% (EOS) and with an enantiomeric purity of 94-96%. Biodistribution studies indicate the initial uptake of PHEN in rat heart is approximately half that of HED. Following PHEN injection, radioactivity egresses from the rat heart rapidly, with 50% washout occurring from 5 to 60 min. HED washout over this interval was less than 20%. The heart neuronal selectivity determined by desipramine blockade of the amine neuronal transporter was 75-77% compared to 92-95% for HED. Ring-labeled (-)-[ 3 H]phenylephrine gave tissue-to-blood concentration ratios and heart clearance times very similar to PHEN. Rats pretreated with the MAO A inhibitor clorgyline showed higher levels of activity in the heart at 15 and 60 min. Tandem PET studies with PHEN and HED in the closed-chest dog provided excellent heart images with both tracers

Skin blood flow from gas transport: helium xenon and laser Doppler compared

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neufeld, G.R.; Galante, S.R.; Whang, J.M.; DeVries, D.; Baumgardner, J.E.; Graves, D.J.; Quinn, J.A.

1988-01-01

A study was designed to compare three independent measures of cutaneous blood flow in normal healthy volunteers: xenon-133 washout, helium flux, and laser velocimetry. All measurements were confined to the volar aspect of the forearm. In a large group of subjects we found that helium flux through intact skin changes nonlinearly with the controlled local skin temperature whereas helium flux through stripped skin, which is directly proportional to skin blood flow, changes linearly with cutaneous temperature over the range 33 degrees to 42 degrees. In a second group of six volunteers we compared helium flux through stripped skin to xenon-133 washout (intact skin) at a skin temperature of 33 degrees, and we found an essentially linear relationship between helium flux and xenon measured blood flow. In a third group of subjects we compared helium flux blood flow (stripped skin) to laser doppler velocimetric (LDV) measurements (intact skin) at adjacent skin sites and found a nonlinear increase in the LDV skin blood flow compared to that determined by helium over the same temperature range. A possible explanation for the nonlinear increases of helium flux through intact skin and of LDV output with increasing local skin temperature is that they reflect more than a change in blood flow. They may also reflect physical changes in the stratum corneum, which alters its diffusional resistance to gas flux and its optical characteristics

Assessment of Hydroureteronephrosis in Children Using Diuretic Radionuclide Ureterography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jong Ho; Lee, Dong Soo; Kwark, Cheol Eun

1994-01-01

The need for assessment of ureteric function in the patient with an obviously dilated ureter has increased particularly with the added spectrum of asymptomatic patients presenting with hydronephrosis and hydroureter on antenatal and perinatal ultrasound. To assess the influence of ureteral status on kidney washout during 99m Tc-DTPA diuretic renography, ureteral images were reviewed in 80 children referred for hydronephrosis. A scintigraphically abnormal ureter was defined as an intense and continuous image of > 10 min during diuretic renography. Out of them, a total of 16 nephroureteral systems in 12 children with scintigraphically abnormal ureter were analyzed. A diuretic washout index using response half time (t1/2) by linear fitting after lasix injection, was determined on renal (Ktl/2) and ureteral (Utl/2) curves (diuretic renogram vs. diuretic ureterogram). Diuretic ureterogram curve patterns corresponding to normal (type I), obstructive (II) and non-obstructive (III) cases were described. Compared with X-ray data, diuretic renography was highly sensitive (88%) and specific (99%) for detecting any ureteral abnormality. Despite an obstructive Ktl/2 (> 20 min), no patient with an abnormal ureter underwent therapy at the ureteropeivic junction because (he hydronephrosis regressed after surgery at the lower level. Our data indicate that the abnormal ureter findings during diuretic renography have to be recognized before therapy for children with hydeonephrosis.

Benzodiazepine receptor and cerebral blood flow in early Alzheimer's disease. SPECT study using 123I-Iomazenil and 123I-IMP

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kitamura, Shin; Koshi, Yasuhiko; Komiyama, Tasuku; Sakayori, Osamu; Komaba, Yuichi; Ohyama, Masashi; Mishina, Masahiro; Tsuganesawa, Toshikazu; Terashi, Akiro

1996-01-01

This study was designed to investigate benzodiazepine receptors (BZR) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. Imaging of BZR and measurement of CBF were performed by SPECT using 123 I-Iomazenil (IMZ) and 123 I-IMP respectively, in seven patients with early Alzheimer's disease and five patients with unilateral left cerebral infarction as controls. The values for the normal cerebral hemisphere (ratio to the contralateral cerebellum) in patients with cerebral infarction were adopted as control values. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, the CBF (ratio to cerebellum) decreased significantly in the frontal cortex and the parietal cortex compared with the control values. There was no significant difference in late IMZ SPECT counts (ratio to cerebellum) and washout (the ratio of late-to-early IMZ SPECT counts) between patients with Alzheimer's disease and the controls. However, the late IMZ SPECT counts and washout decreased in one patient with moderate dementia. There was a significant correlation between the severity of dementia and the late IMZ SPECT counts in the temporal cortex and the parietal cortex. These results suggest that benzodiazepine binding sites are relatively well preserved in patients with early Alzheimer's disease, and reduction of the CBF is caused by neuronal dysfunction rather than by neuronal loss. IMZ SPECT study is useful and necessary for clarifying the pathophysiological state in Alzheimer's disease. (author)

Experimental study of elementary collection efficiency of aerosols by spray: Design of the experimental device

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ducret, D.; Vendel, J.; Garrec. S.L.

1995-02-01

The safety of a nuclear power plant containment building, in which pressure and temperature could increase because of a overheating reactor accident, can be achieved by spraying water drops. The spray reduces the pressure and the temperature levels by condensation of steam on cold water drops. The more stringent thermodynamic conditions are a pressure of 5.10{sup 5} Pa (due to steam emission) and a temperature of 413 K. Moreover its energy dissipation function, the spray leads to the washout of fission product particles emitted in the reactor building atmosphere. The present study includes a large program devoted to the evaluation of realistic washout rates. The aim of this work is to develop experiments in order to determine the collection efficiency of aerosols by a single drop. To do this, the experimental device has to be designed with fundamental criteria:-Thermodynamic conditions have to be representative of post-accident atmosphere. Thermodynamic equilibrium has to be attained between the water drops and the gaseous phase. Thermophoretic, diffusiophoretic and mechanical effects have to be studied independently. Operating conditions have to be homogenous and constant during each experiment. This paper presents the design of the experimental device. In practice, the consequences on the design of each of the criteria given previously and the necessity of being representative of the real conditions will be described.

Quantitative analysis of normal thallium-201 tomographic studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eisner, R.L.; Gober, A.; Cerqueira, M.

1985-01-01

To determine the normal (nl) distribution of Tl-201 uptake post exercise (EX) and at redistribution (RD) and nl washout, Tl-201 rotational tomographic (tomo) studies were performed in 40 subjects: 16 angiographic (angio) nls and 24 nl volunteers (12 from Emory and 12 from Yale). Oblique angle short axis slices were subjected to maximal count circumferential profile analysis. Data were displayed as a ''bullseye'' functional map with the apex at the center and base at the periphery. The bullseye was not uniform in all regions because of the variable effects of attenuation and resolution at different view angles. In all studies, the septum: lateral wall ratio was 1.0 in males and approximately equal to 1.0 in females. This occurred predominantly because of anterior defects due to breast soft tissue attenuation. EX and RD bullseyes were similar. Using a bi-exponential model for Tl kinetics, 4 hour normalized washout ranged 49-54% in each group and showed minimal variation between walls throughout the bullseye. Thus, there are well defined variations in Tl-201 uptake in the nl myocardium which must be taken into consideration when analyzing pt data. Because of these defects and the lack of adequate methods for attenuation correction, quantitative analysis of Tl-201 studies must include direct comparison with gender-matched nl data sets

Intraindividual, randomized comparison of the macrocyclic contrast agents gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine in breast magnetic resonance imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fallenberg, Eva M.; Renz, Diane M.; Hamm, Bernd [Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Department of Radiology, Berlin (Germany); Karle, Bettina [Clinic of Radiation Therapy, Helios Clinics, Berlin (Germany); Schwenke, Carsten [SCOSSIS Statistical Consulting, Berlin (Germany); Ingod-Heppner, Barbara [Charite Universitaetsmedizin, Campus Charite Mitte, Institute of Pathology, Berlin (Germany); Reles, Angela [Charite Universitaetsmedizin, Charite-Partner-Practice, Interdisciplinary Breast Center, Berlin (Germany); Engelken, Florian J. [Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Charite Campus Mitte, Department of Radiology, Berlin (Germany); Huppertz, Alexander; Taupitz, Matthias [Charite - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Department of Radiology, Berlin (Germany)

2014-09-25

To compare intraindividually two macrocyclic contrast agents - gadobutrol and gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA) - for dynamic and quantitative assessment of relative enhancement (RE) in benign and malignant breast lesions. This was an ethically approved, prospective, single-centre, randomized, crossover study in 52 women with suspected breast lesions referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each patient underwent one examination with gadobutrol and one with Gd-DOTA (0.1 mmol/kg BW) on a 1.5 T system 1 - 7 days apart. Dynamic, T1-weighted, 3D gradient echo sequences were acquired under identical conditions. Quantitative evaluation with at least three regions of interest (ROI) per lesion was performed. Primary endpoint was RE during the initial postcontrast phase after the first and second dynamic acquisition, and peak RE. All lesions were histologically proven; differences between the examinations were evaluated. Forty-five patients with a total of 11 benign and 34 malignant lesions were assessed. Mean RE was significantly higher for gadobutrol than Gd-DOTA (p < 0.0001). Gadobutrol showed significantly less washout (64.4 %) than Gd-DOTA (75.4 %) in malignant lesions (p = 0.048) Gadobutrol has higher RE values compared with Gd-DOTA, whereas Gd-DOTA shows more marked washout in malignant lesions. This might improve the detection of breast lesions and influence the specificity of breast MRI-imaging. (orig.)

Lack of interaction between a new antihistamine, mizolastine, and lorazepam on psychomotor performance and memory in healthy volunteers.

OpenAIRE

Patat, A; Perault, M C; Vandel, B; Ulliac, N; Zieleniuk, I; Rosenzweig, P

1995-01-01

1. The possible interaction between a new H1 antihistamine, mizolastine, and lorazepam was assessed in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study involving 16 healthy young male volunteers who received mizolastine 10 mg or placebo once daily for 8 days with a 1 week wash-out interval. The interaction of mizolastine, at steady-state, with a single oral dose of lorazepam or placebo was assessed on days 6 or 8 of each treatment period. 2. Psychomotor performance and cogniti...

Radioimmunodetection of rat and rabbit cartilage using a monoclonal antibody specific to link proteins

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cassiede, P.; Amedee, J.; Rouais, F.; Bareille, R.; Bordenave, L.; Basse-Cathalinat, B.; Harmand, M.F. (Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), 33 - Bordeaux (France)); Vuillemin, L.; Ducassou, D. (Hopital du Haut-Leveque, 33 - Pessac (France))

1993-10-01

Biodistribution analysis using [[sup 125]I]Fab-6F3 specific to link proteins from human articular cartilage performed in rats by autoradiography showed a high concentration of radioactivity in all cartilaginous tissues. Preliminary immunoscinitgraphic assays were performed in rabbits. Front and side view images of whole animals exhibited high uptake in cartilage tissue of the knee articulation, in the invertebral disk and the humeral head. This fixation was still detected 24 h post-injection, although high washout of radioactivity was observed. (Author).

Acute and chronic safety and efficacy of dose dependent creatine nitrate supplementation and exercise performance

OpenAIRE

Galvan, Elfego; Walker, Dillon K.; Simbo, Sunday Y.; Dalton, Ryan; Levers, Kyle; O?Connor, Abigail; Goodenough, Chelsea; Barringer, Nicholas D.; Greenwood, Mike; Rasmussen, Christopher; Smith, Stephen B.; Riechman, Steven E.; Fluckey, James D.; Murano, Peter S.; Earnest, Conrad P.

2016-01-01

Background Creatine monohydrate (CrM) and nitrate are popular supplements for improving exercise performance; yet have not been investigated in combination. We performed two studies to determine the safety and exercise performance-characteristics of creatine nitrate (CrN) supplementation. Methods Study 1 participants (N?=?13) ingested 1.5?g CrN (CrN-Low), 3?g CrN (CrN-High), 5?g CrM or a placebo in a randomized, crossover study (7d washout) to determine supplement safety (hepatorenal and musc...

Secondary beam course for the medical use at HIMAC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanazawa, Mitsutaka; Kitagawa, Atsushi; Torikoshi, Masami

2003-01-01

To verify the ion range in the cancer treatment, a positron emitter beam is a promising tool. For this purpose we have constructed an irradiation system with secondary beam, where a spot scanning technique was adopted. To measure the three dimensional dose distributions, multi-pad ionization chamber was used. Concerning the experiments with positron camera, wash-out effect of injected positron emitters were measured with rabbit. In this report current status of the beam experiments of the irradiation system are presented. (author)