Effects of pegfilgrastim on normal biodistribution of 18F-FDG: preclinical and clinical studies.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pegfilgrastim, a long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, on the normal biodistribution of (18)F-FDG in an animal model and in humans. METHODS: Two groups of 12 rats received a single subcutaneous injection of either normal saline or pegfilgrastim. One, 7, 14, and 21 d after injection, biodistribution studies were performed 1 h after (18)F-FDG injection. Sixteen breast cancer patients underwent baseline (18)F-FDG PET/CT and, approximately 1 wk after receiving 1 dose of docetaxel and adjunctive pegfilgrastim, follow-up (18)F-FDG PET/CT (scan 2). Standardized uptake values corrected for lean body mass (SUL) were determined for several normal organs before and after therapy. RESULTS: In rats, bone marrow (18)F-FDG uptake (standardized uptake value) was higher in the pegfilgrastim group 1 d after injection (mean +/- SD, 8.3 +/- 4.1 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.2, P < 0.05), whereas (18)F-FDG uptake in blood was lower (0.41 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.49 +/- 0.01, P < 0.05). In patients, mean SUL was higher in bone marrow (4.49 +/- 1.50 vs. 1.33 +/- 0.22, P < 0.0001), spleen (3.29 +/- 0.83 vs. 1.23 +/- 0.23, P < 0.0001), and liver (1.45 +/- 0.25 vs. 1.31 +/- 0.23, P = 0.01) but lower in brain (4.18 +/- 0.76 vs. 5.14 +/- 1.44, P < 0.01) on scan 2 than on the baseline scan. CONCLUSION: In both the animal model and humans, pegfilgrastim markedly increased bone marrow uptake of (18)F-FDG and reduced (18)F-FDG uptake in some normal tissues. These profound alterations in (18)F-FDG biodistribution induced by pegfilgrastim must be considered when one is evaluating quantitative (18)F-FDG PET scans for tumor response to therapy.     

Maintaining family planning acceptance levels through development incentives in Northeastern Thailand

The results of a two-year longitudinal study of the effect that development program incentives have upon family planning in Northeastern Thailand are presented. These incentives, implemented by the Population and Community Development Association, Thailand, included animal raising and agricultural, home industry, and environmental activities. An experimental design including baseline and follow-up surveys supplemented by a continuous monitoring system was utilized to test hypotheses on the family planning impacts of the incentives. Findings indicate that the incentives contributed significantly to the maintenance of high levels of family planning practice through the program period 1982-1984.     

Scanning electron microscopic study of degeneration and regeneration in the olfactory epithelium after axotomy

Summary The olfactory epithelium of the adult hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was examined with the scanning electron microscope following olfactory nerve axotomy. Axotomy results in retrograde degeneration of mature olfactory neurons. Maximum degeneration was observed around day 4. During the degeneration period the epithelium consists primarily of supporting and basal cells. Microvillar columnar supporting cells were observed to have fine cellular processes extending from their lateral border to neighbouring cells. Supporting cells extended to the basal lamina where they terminated in foot-like processes of variable shapes (club, splay and hook). Basal cells which gave rise to new replacement olfactory neurons were observed near the basal lamina. They had a rough cellular surface covered with small granules and fine cellular extensions. Bowman's gland duct cells extended unbranched through the epithelium where they formed funnel duct openings covered with microvilli. During early recovery periods (5–30 days) the number of olfactory neurons in the lower epithelium region increased. We observed olfactory neurons with developing axon and dendritic processes. Specialized growth cone structures were seen at the tips. Olfactory neuron growth cones were elongated or club-shaped and had a ruffled membrane surface. Several thin filopodia extended from the growth cone and made contact with adjacent cells. At late recovery periods (35–120 days) there was a marked increase in the number of olfactory neurons within the middle and lower epithelium regions. Numerous dendritic processes extended to the epithelial surface and terminated in knob-like ciliated structures. Olfactory axons passed basally, forming small intra-epithelial bundles that penetrated the basal lamina then fasciculated into larger bundles within the lamina propria.This study provides detailed three-dimensional observations of the olfactory epithelium following neuron injury, and describes neural degenerative changes, replacement of olfactory neurons, development and maturation. In addition, we describe the structure and basal attachment of supporting cells and their glial-like relation with olfactory neurons.     

Genetic analysis of host responses in sepsis

During much of the past century, the microbe itself stood at the heart of microbial pathogenesis. Little thought was devoted to the host per se, though it was granted that differences in susceptibility to certain infections did exist between individuals, and between different ethnic groups. During the past 20 years, extraordinary strides in our grasp of mammalian genetics have made the host side of the equation far more approachable. A restricted collection of genes now presents itself as the likely repository for genetic differences that foretell susceptibility to infectious disease. The Toll-like receptors, of which 10 are presently known to exist in humans, offer an excellent example of this genetic reductionism, in that they embody the afferent component of the innate immune system, and strongly influence the containment of an infection from its earliest stages. The Toll-like receptors were identified as the culmination of a long and relentless inquiry into the yet-unsolved clinical problem of sepsis.     

The health-related quality of life of male and female heavy smokers

Objectives: Heavy smokers are a segment of the smoking population who are at increased risk of smoking-related morbidity and least likely to achieve cessation. This study identifies the impact of heavy smoking on quality of life by gender and describes the subpopulation for improved targeting.Methods: South Australian representative population data (n = 3010) was used to compare the health-related quality of life status of male and female heavy smokers as assessed by the SF-36.