Activity measurements of the high-energy pure beta-emitters 89Sr and 90Y by the TDCR efficiency calculation technique.

The absolute activities of the pure beta-emitters 89Sr and 90Y have been determined by a direct method, namely the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) efficiency calculation technique. This undertaking has extended further the number of radionuclides that have been standardized by this non-extrapolation liquid scintillation (LS) method. Both measurements were carried out within the framework of international key comparisons under the auspices of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). The TDCR results agreed well with those of other participating national laboratories, most using alternative (tracer) methods.     

Determinants of left ventricular systolic function recovery after an acute coronary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of heart failure in western societies. However, the factors that may influence left ventricular function (LVF) recovery after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify variables that may influence LVF evolution one year after ACS. METHODS: 104 patients hospitalized with ACS between 7/1/2001 and 12/31/2002 and with systolic dysfunction--defined as an echocardiographic ejection fraction (EF) < or = 45%--were randomly allocated to a planned coronary follow-up program (FUP) or a general cardiology clinic (GC); patients from both groups were also randomly referred to a structured cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP). EF was re-assessed at one year. We compared differences between patients who recovered left ventricular function (EF > 45%; group 1) and those who did not (group 2). RESULTS: One year after discharge, 44.2% of the patients had recovered function. There were no significant differences between the groups in gender (77.7 vs. 76.5% male), age (56 vs. 59 years), hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking habits or family history. A previous history of cardiovascular events was more frequent in group 2 (11.1% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.03). Cardiac catheterization was performed before discharge in 88.8% and 88.2% in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p = NS); no differences were found in coronary anatomy between the two groups. Angioplasty was performed in 54.2% in group 1 and 50% in group 2 (p = NS). There were no differences in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (83.3% vs. 87.5%), beta-blockers (87.5% vs. 87.5%), nitrates (37.5% vs. 33.3%), aspirin (95.8% vs. 95.8%), statins (79.1% vs. 75%) or diuretics (20.8% vs. 45.8%). There was no significant difference in LVF recovery between patients randomized to FUP or GC (38.5% vs. 54.5%). 87.5% of patients who completed the CRP had normal EF at one year compared to 32.7% of patients not referred to the program (p = 0.009). Although EF improved in both groups, this improvement was greater in patients who completed a CRP (EF 8% vs. 5%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: A previous cardiovascular event and completion of a CRP were the only variables that influenced LVF recovery. Thus, enrollment in a CRP, in addition to standard therapy, could be an important therapeutic measure in patients with systolic dysfunction after ACS; our data suggest that these programs should be more widely used.     

Replacement of adjacent missing anterior teeth with scalloped implants: a case report.

As the biological width is established around neighboring implants, there is a flattening of the interimplant bone and a change in the position of the soft tissue. As a result, a normal progression of papilla from natural teeth through the adjacent implant area is lost. This presentation describes various techniques and strategies to improve the aesthetic outcome of anterior implant restorations, together with the use of a scalloped implant designed to sustain the interdental bony peaks, and in doing so, maintain the interimplant papillae.     

Fragrance material review on cinnamic acid.

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of cinnamic acid when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.     

Radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies in oncology. III. Radioimmunotherapy

The requirements, problems and progress of radioimmunotherapy in the management of certain malignancies are described. The future prospects using a two- or three-stage approach are promising.     

Effects of halothane on spinal dorsal horn WDR(wide dynamic range) neuronal activity in cats

The effects of halothane (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) on the spinal dorsal horn wide dynamic range (WDR) neuronal activity was studied in either spinal cord intact or spinal transected cats. Extracellular activity was recorded in the dorsal horn from single WDR neurons responding to noxious and non-noxious stimuli applied to the cutaneous receptive fields on the left hind foot pads of intact or decerebrate, spinal cord transected (L 1-2) cats. When 10 micrograms of bradykinin was injected into the femoral artery ipsilateral to the recording site as the noxious test stimulus in the spinal cat, all of 7 WDR neurons gave excitatory responses which were not depressed by 0.2% and 0.5% halothane but were depressed significantly by 1.0%. On the other hand, when the injection of 10 micrograms of bradykinin into the femoral artery ipsilateral to the recording site was used in the intact cat, 7 of 14 WDR neurons (50%) gave excitatory responses, which were not depressed by 0.2% halothane but were significantly depressed by 0.5% and 1.0% halothane, and 7 of 14 WDR neurons (50%) gave inhibitory responses, which were significantly depressed by 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% halothane. We have found that halothane reduces the excitation as well as the inhibition of dorsal horn WDR neuronal activity induced by bradykinin injection.     

A comparison of placement methods using a two-in-one dentin pin

Experiments were performed to determine the effect of pin channel preparation with standard and reduction speed handpieces, and pin seating by hand and with motor drive. The greatest retention was achieved by preparation with a standard handpiece at 6000 rpm, and manual pin placement with a hand driver. The most consistent retention values were achieved using the reduction handpiece. All preparation and placement combinations examined produced a clinically acceptable result.