Radioisotopic Procedure Research Articles

Liver-Spleen Imaging for Trauma-Revisited

99mTc-sulfur colloid scans for acute abdominal trauma have an approximate clinical accuracy of 80-85% in the diagnosis of hepatosplenic laceration or hematoma. Various details of liver-spleen injury in the acutely traumatized patient are discussed with a previously unassociated subtle scan finding, which may increase the diagnostic accuracy of this radioisotope procedure to over 90%. This subtle scan finding in the trauma patient consists of a significant uptake of sulfur colloid by the reticuloendothelial system in the spine, a finding heretofore associated with such processes as hepatocellular disease and anemia. This spine “shine through,” in our experience, can be asociated with significant abdominal or thoraco-abdominal trauma with hemorrhage. The pathogenesis is most likely related to splanchnic vessel vasospasm with shunting of blood and radiocolloid from the visceral pool. This additional information has served to significantly increase the positive yield in trauma cases where hepatosplenic trauma with hemorrhage has been suspect.

Usefulness of 201 Tl in Evaluating Regional Myocardial Perfusion

A comparison of stress and rest 201 Tl myocardial perfusion images with selective coronary arteriography was undertaken to determine the role of the radioisotope procedure in evaluating patients suspected of having coronary artery disease. Twenty-three patients were examined by both techniques. The results indicate that 201Tl imaging correlates well with arteriographic findings. False positive 201 Tl studies were not encountered when strict criteria of interpretation were applied. It is concluded that 201 Tl imaging can be a useful adjunct in the evaluation of patients with ischemic heart disease.

Rapid radioisotopic procedure for determination of nortriptyline in plasma.

With the widespread use of tricyclic antidepressant drugs, the relationship between the concentration of the drug in the plasma and the therapeutic response is of considerable interest. We describe a double-isotope derivative dilution procedure for measuring plasma nortriptyline. In the method, [14C]nortriptyline is used for estimating procedural losses and [3H]acetic anhydride for derivative formation. The assay is rapid and adequately specific, sensitive, precies, and reproducible for routine clinical use. We used it to investigate the variation in steady-state drug concentrations in plasma of persons who were on a 150 mg/day dose of nortriptyline. Intra-individual variation from day to day was 10-14%. This variation was not significantly affected by the dosage schedule, the time of sampling after an oral dose, or the storage of the plasma samples. For 19 patients on 150 mg of nortriptyline per day, the mean concentration in plasma was 181 +/- 22 (SE) mug/liter, a value that compares well with our previous findings and those of other groups.

Clinical and Radioisotopic Follow-Up Study of ‘Moyamoya’

24 children with 'moyamoya' had average follow-up periods of 5 years and 9 months. The following factors were noted to influence the prognosis for mental function: early onset, repeated transient ischemic attacks followed by residual neurological deficit, symptoms suggesting bilateral or dominant hemispheric lesions, and angiographically widespread occlusion. Futhermore, radioisotopic procedures could replace angiography for follow-up studies of patients with Moyamoya.

Tumor Scanning With Gallium 67

IT IS OBVIOUS that for most, but not all, forms of cancer the effectiveness of treatment can be enhanced by early diagnosis and by accurate assessment of the extent of the disease after diagnosis. Methods for diagnosis and staging are improving progressively, and an important area of progress is in diagnostic nuclear medicine. Some radioisotopic procedures are applicable to only one organ, some are useful for only one specific type of tumor, and some disclose the tumor only as an area that fails to take up radioactively labeled material in an organ that normally shows relatively high concentration. Of particular interest is the availability of a few agents that localize selectively in a wide variety of tumors wherever they may be located. An example of the latter is gallium 67. Imaging with gallium citrate Ga 67 is proving to be distinctly useful, although it is not uniformly helpful and usually

Radioisotopic assay for rat liver sulfotransferase activity

A hepatic sulfotransferase enzyme catalyzing the transfer of sulfate-( 35S) from 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate-( 35S) to p-nitrophenol was partially purified by differential centrifugation and (NH 4) 2SO 4 fractionation. Employing this enzyme, a radioisotopic procedure for assaying rat liver sulfotransferase activity is described. The enzyme activity was linear for the first 10 min of incubation and with a protein concentration up to 0·2 mg/ml of incubation mixture. Enzyme activity was present within a pH range of 5·4 to 8·4; however, maximum sulfate transfer activity occured around pH 6·4. Seventy-one per cent of the initial enzyme activity was present after almost 2 months of storage at −75°, while the activity of enzyme stored at 4 and −20° had decreased to 32 and 30 per cent of the original activity respectively. In addition, the Michaelis constant ( K m ) and maximal velocity were determined for p-nitrophenol, salicylamide and dehydroepiandrosterone.

The role of splenectomy in the management of advanced Hodgkin's disease.

Thirty-five patients suffering from Hodgkin's disease developed severe and persistent depression of one or all three of the peripheral blood elements, red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. This appeared quite commonly unrelated to any treatment, and in the absence of clinically demonstrable splenomegaly. In the majority of the patients included in this series, evidence was obtained using standard radioisotopic procedures of increased cell destruction, of either red cells or platelets with a significant number also demonstrating disorder of iron kinetics. After splenectomy, involvement of the spleen by Hodgkin's disease was demonstrated in 23 patients. In 12 cases the spleen was not involved, but in 7 of these evidence of increased red cell destruction was shown by iron accummulation, or destruction of platelets by myelin figures. Complete correction of peripheral blood parameters resulted in 28 with a subsequent median complete remission of 24 months, and improved tolerance to therapy. The incidence of postoperative infection was unremarkable. It is concluded that improved tolerance to therapy can be achieved by splenectomy in patients with far advanced Hodgkin's disease even in the absence of splenic involvement.

Gas chromatographic determination of monosaccharide transport rates across human erythrocyte membranes

The conditions for the determination of rates of monosaccharide transport across human erythrocyte membranes by gas chromatography are presented and compared with measurements undertaken by other techniques. The use of gas chromatography in the measurement of transport rates represents an advantage in some types of transport experiments over light-scattering measurements but is comparable to radioisotope procedures for determining transport. When radioisotopic sugars are not readily available, gas chromatographic measurements may constitute the method of choice.

Radioisotope method of determining the effective viscosity of disperse systems under vibrations

A radioisotope apparatus and procedure have been developed for recording the motion of a control ball with a gamma radiator and for determining the effective viscosity of a disperse system under vibrations.

Manual of Nuclear Medicine Procedures

This manual was written for the practitioner of nuclear medicine and his technical staff. It describes, in sufficient detail for those familiar with general radioisotope procedures, the methods currently employed in the nuclear medicine laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical Center. When asked to review the paperbound volume for theArchives, I was skeptical of whether there was sufficient content to interest the practicing surgeon. On reflection, it strikes me that arrangement of the book may make it unexpectedly useful to the nonnuclear medical specialist. The manual deals with diagnostic techniques only and has a standard format that makes for easy reference. The procedures are listed alphabetically by organs, and each one is divided into headings entitled Principle, Indications, Limitations, Isotope and Dose (administered and absorbed), Patient Preparation, Procedure and Notes, and Interpretation. The surgeon who wishes to learn or recall the indications, limitations, and diagnostic information for any

New Techniques for Intensive Research with Dairy Cattle – Mineral Research

A variety of methods useful in studies of mineral element utilization by cattle have been briefly compared and the advantages and disadvantages of each discussed. These methods include regression and radioisotope procedures for estimating mineral availability and requirements, in vitro and in vivo techniques for identifying gastrointestinal sites of mineral absorption, and methods for assessment of the animal's mineral status.

Soil zinc and its uptake by plants. II. Soil chemistry in relation to prediction of availability

Representatives of nine soil groups were extracted with reagents that have been used to predict zinc deficiency. The amounts of soil zinc removed were discussed in terms of specific and non-specific bonding in relation to the reagent used. The desorption of natural zinc was also described in terms of the quantity/intensity (Q/I) relation and an equilibrium zinc concentration (ZnQ) at natural pH. The ZnQ values varied from 1 to 4 �gI. for the alkaline soils and 8-190 pg/l. for the acidic soils. The Q/I ratio was derived by radioisotopic and chemical isotherm procedures. Log Q/I (I = total soluble zinc) approximated closely a linear relation of unit slope with pH. This was ascnbed to a common reation of zinc with all soils by specific sorption dominated by ZnOHA ions such that Q/I� = constant where I' = (ZnOH+aq). Deviations from this relation are discussed. The relations between soil and plant (clover and wheat) variables were studied by simple and multiple regression analysis. Single values of intensity variables, and, to a lesser extent, Q/I variables, correlated well with plant data but not the quantity variables. The improved correlations of Q variables when combined with Q/I variables accorded with published work. The problem of predicting zinc availability on alkaline soils which are dominated by very high Q/I values, is discussed.

Functional assessment of canine lung transplants by radioisotope lung scanning procedures.

Thirty-four dogs with left lung allografts, 21 of which were fresh and 13 preserved, and 14 dogs with autografts were studied sequentially by radioisotope inhalation and perfusion lung scanning procedures. Allografts and autografts were found to function well immediately after operation. In autografts, both ventilation and perfusion were well maintained during the period of study. In allografts, ventilation deteriorated sooner and more markedly than perfusion. The ventilation-perfusion index decreased more rapidly and to a greater degree in the preserved transplants than in the fresh allografts. Partial bronchial obstruction at the bronchial anastomotic site was indicated on the aerosol inhalation scan as an area of excessive radioactive deposition. Such findings occurred transiently in allografts and autografts in the immediate postoperative period as a result of edema, at the time of rejection (7 to 30 days) in allografts, and many months postoperatively in autografts as a result of bronchostenosis by s...

A simplified radioisotopic procedure for the determination of calcium and phosphorus availability.

A simplified radioisotopic procedure for the determination of calcium and phosphorus availability.

Principles of Nuclear Medicine.

The rapid growth and extent of the field of nuclear medicine are reflected in this valuable textbook. Approximately one third of the pages are devoted to mathematics and physics. The serious student of nuclear medicine will find these quite interesting and well written. The clinical aspects of this new discipline are discussed by organ system. The intent is to demonstrate the clinical correlation of data gleaned from radioisotopic procedures with that obtained at the bedside and from conventional diagnostic procedures. This goal has not been achieved in many chapters because of varied styles of the many authors. The scan illustrations are clear and demonstrate good technique. The information content reflects the editor's interests to a large degree. The newcomer to nuclear medicine should not be frightened away by an unnecessarily complicated introduction, perhaps better suited to a text on aspects of medical physics. The second chapter on "The Diagnostic Process"

Quantitative radioisotopic approaches to hepatic size and function.

The aim of clinical radioisotope procedures is to yield data concerning both structure and function. The following approaches to radioisotope evaluation of the liver are outlined: 1. Estimation of hepatic size and weight (from the scan and by other means) and comparison with the weight predicted by the allometric equation. 2. Measurement of the degree of homogeneity of uptake by computer processing. 3. Computer correction for: use of short-lived radioisotopes (radiation dose being minimal, studies can potentially be extended to children and pregnant women) ; simultaneous use of two radioisotopes to examine both parenchymalcell and reticuloendothelial function; and rapid entry to, and discharge from, the liver.

Measuring consumption of food by an insect with carbon-14 labelled compounds

A radioisotopic procedure was investigated in which sucrose-U-C 14 or cellulose-U-C 14 was incorporated into artificial diets. Measurements of food consumption by fifth-instar larvae of the pale western cutworm, Agrotis orthogonia Morr., by the radioisotopic method and either the gravimetric or chromic oxide methods agreed well. Results from applying the radioisotopic method to individual first-instar larvae of the cutworm fed a sprout and cellulose (1 : 1 w/w) diet varied with the individual; the quantities consumed ranged between 1·4 μg and 24 μg for a 6 hr feeding period. However, significant differences in the quantities of some diets consumed by first-instar larvae could be detected by the radioisotopic method. It was concluded that the radioisotopic procedure offers a means of measuring and comparing the quantities of food consumed by very small insects.

Analysis of glucose-C 14 in tissues using thin-layer chromatography

Available procedures for separating glucose-C 14 from its metabolites in the whole animal require a number of time-consuming steps (e.g., deionization, evaporation, derivative formation), some of which are associated with appreciable losses of material. These steps may be circumvented by using the thin-layer chromatographic, colorimetric, and radioisotopic procedures which are described in the present paper.

TRAINING IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE FOR RADIOLOGY RESIDENTS.

Since 1936, when radioisotopes were introduced in clinical medicine with the therapeutic use of P32, many radiologists have been involved in the overall development of nuclear medicine. In this development internists, surgeons, general practitioners, and physicists have also participated, but from the beginning individual interest rather than any particular medical specialty has determined the use of the radioisotopes. The American Boards of Internal Medicine and of Pathology expect candidates to possess some knowledge of radioisotope procedures and of their interpretation. Furthermore, the Board of Pathology gives credit for up to six months of training in nuclear medicine as part of the clinical pathology program. The Board of Radiology is the only Board that requires specific training and gives separate examination and certification in nuclear medicine. At present the American Board of Radiology requires three months of training in nuclear medicine. The Board, however, does not appear to consider this training program in the same category as those for diagnostic roentgenology or the other portions of therapeutic radiology (1). The training in nuclear medicine need not be the responsibility of a radiologist, nor need it be given in an institution approved for residency in radiology. No quantitative figures have been established by the Board regarding the clinical experience expected in the diagnostic or therapeutic uses of radioisotopes. Radiology residents at the University of California Hospitals in San Francisco complete a laboratory course in basic principles, participate in an active clinical radioisotope section in the Department of Radiology, and receive instruction in radiation physics and radiobiology. Concern about deficiencies in this program and the desire to learn how other institutions are handling the problem prompted a recent survey of hospitals accredited for residency training in radiology. Questionnaires were mailed to all radio1ogy departments listed in the 1962 Directory of Approved Internships and Residencies published by the American Medical Association. The requested information concerned (a) basic training in instrumentation, physics, radiation safety, and related aspects; (b) clinical training in diagnostic uses of radioisotopes; (c) clinical training in their therapeutic uses. In all three sections, information was requested concerning the total number of hours of training as well as the portion of time given to “lecture” and “laboratory.” The informant was also asked if the training was given in the radiology department and what other departments participated. Additional comments were invited. Answers to part or all of the three major sections of the questionnaire were received from 92 per cent of the university departments and 71 per cent of the nonuniversity departments. The data relating to university programs have been compared with those of nonuniversity programs.

PATHWAYS OF GLUCOSE CATABOLISM IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS.

Goldman, Manuel (The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) and Harold J. Blumenthal. Pathways of glucose catabolism in Bacillus subtilis. J. Bacteriol. 86:303-311. 1963.-Under aerobic conditions, resting cells of Bacillus subtilis Marburg C4 catabolized 60 to 70% of glucose by the Embden-Meyerhof pathway and the remainder by the hexose monophosphate pathway; under anaerobic conditions, the percentages were 70 to 80 and 20 to 30, respectively. These estimates, based on two different radio-isotopic procedures, were the same whether the cells were grown in a glucose medium containing a complex, organic nitrogen source (C cells) or a simple inorganic nitrogen source (S cells). In C cells, respiration was inhibited by fluoride, whereas S cells were relatively insensitive to this influence. Factors such as the initial concentration of inorganic phosphate or glucose during growth, and the concentration of inorganic phosphate or even the presence of fluoride during glucose utilization by resting cells, had no major effects on the pathways of glucose catabolism. From an examination of the isotopic distribution in an isolated intermediate, lactic acid, it seems unlikely that the radioisotopic estimates were influenced by such other factors as participation of an Entner-Doudoroff pathway, extensive randomization of C(1) activity into other positions of the hexose molecule, or extensive CO(2) fixation.