Effects of ligand priming and multiple-dose injection on tissue uptake of 111In-pentetreotide in rats

In patients undergoing somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, treatment with octreotide (Sandostatin) is usually discontinued 24-48 h before and after injection with the radioligand 111In-pentetreotide ([111In-DTPA(O)]octreotide) (Octreoscan) because octreotide competes with radioligand for the same receptors. However, D?rr et al. and Soresi et al. reported improved visualization of carcinoid and small cell lung cancer lesions, respectively, during continued octreotide treatment. We found that intravenous administration of unlabeled octreotide to rats inhibited the binding of an optimal dose (0.5 microg) of 111In-pentetreotide to somatostatin receptors in pancreas and adrenals in a mass- and time-dependent way. Pretreatment with unlabeled octreotide never increased receptor binding of 111In-pentetreotide. Administration of 100 microg of octreotide decreased receptor-bound radioactivity if given simultaneously with or 10 or 20 min after injection of the radioligand, but had no effect if given 30 min after the radioligand. These findings indicate rapid processing of receptor-bound octreotide and suggest that octreotide treatment of patients undergoing 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy may be reinitiated as soon as 1 h after radioligand administration.     

Pathologic prognostic factors for patients with breast carcinoma. Which factors are important

Current technologies can identify subsets of patients who are at greater risk for developing recurrent carcinoma. This article presents conventional and generally accepted pathologic features of breast carcinoma that allow breast carcinoma patients to be placed into low-risk or high-risk categories for recurrence-free or overall survival. Also, the role of flow cytometry, estrogen-progesterone receptor measurement, tumor angiogenesis, and selection oncoprotein expression, such as c-erbB2, are reviewed.     

Broadband ultrasound attenuation of the calcaneus. A tool for assessing bone status in patients with chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency continues to be a problem in pediatrics. This report presents four children, one Caucasian male and three African-American females aged 4 to 24 months who were treated for vitamin D deficiency rickets. METHODS: One female was diagnosed in the Emergency Department during evaluation of a viral syndrome, another presented with hypocalcemic seizures and the third was a self-referral for evaluation of widened wrists. The male had biochemical rickets discovered incidentally during a hospitalization for pneumonia. All were breastfed without formula supplements. The 24-month female had severe cow and soy protein allergies and received multivitamin supplements intermittently. Birth order was from third to sixth child. Two families practiced Islam and the mothers wore veils. The females had a weight deficit for height. The females demonstrated a rachitic rosary, widening of the wrists and leg bowing. At diagnosis the serum calcium was 5.0-8.6 mg/dl, the inorganic phosphorus was 1.5-3.9 mg/dl and the alkaline phosphatase was 408-3324 U/L. The serum intact parathormone levels and the vitamin D levels were measured at Nichols Laboratories. The 25-OH vitamin D levels were 2-22 ng/ml and the 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D levels were 14-122 pg/ml. All had elevated parathormone levels. The three females had roentgenographic evidence of rickets. Two of the children also demonstrated iron deficiency. RESULTS: All patients responded to Vitamin D supplements, beginning at 2000 IU for the male and 8,000-10,000 IU daily for the females. Two children were also given calcium supplements. The three females all showed complete healing of the rickets radiologically within six months. The serum intact parathormone demonstrated an inverse correlation with the serum calcium during recovery (r=-0.669; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency does still occur. Breastfed children of multiparous mothers, with increased skin pigmentation, living in the higher latitudes are at increased risk and would benefit from vitamin D supplementation while breastfeeding.     

Spectral properties of fluorescein in solvent-water mixtures: applications as a probe of hydrogen bonding environments in biological systems

In a 4-year study we examined the longitudinal effects of deinstitutionalization programs on those who remain in institutions being downsized. Individual outcomes investigated were community access, social activities, community inclusion, family relationships, and choice. Effects of residential relocation on individual outcomes such as adaptive behavior were evaluated and total daily per-person expenditure on institutional services for participants was determined. Downsizing was associated with decreased community integration but no change in most other outcomes. Availability of therapy services fell over time, and individuals experienced many residential and day program moves within the institution. Per person expenditure on services increased substantially. Finally, no significant changes in adaptive behavior were associated with intrainstitutional moves.     

Twinning and anencephaly

The literature on anencephaly in twins ascertained in series has been reviewed and some hitherto unpublished data presented. 1. Anencephaly rates in opposite-sexed twin pairs seem not to differ appreciably from those in related singleton births. 2. There is good evidence that the incidence of anencephaly is higher in same-sexed twin pairs than in opposite-sexed pairs. One would infer that anencephaly is commoner in MZ than DZ pairs: this inference is supported by some data on anencephaly in twins of which the zygosity has been diagnosed. It is estimated that members of MZ twin pairs are about 1 2/3 times as likely to be anencephalic as are other individuals. 3. Concordance rates are not low, as is sometimes suggested, but are of the same order as recurrence rates. 4. It seems likely that concordance rates are higher in same-sexed than in opposite-sexed pairs. This would be expected because of the sex-preferential nature of the condition, and the hypothesized higher incidence rates in MZ pairs.     

The wick catheter technique for measurement of intramuscular pressure. A new research and clinical tool

The wick catheter technique was developed in 1968 for measurement of subcutaneous pressure and has been modified for easy intramuscular insertion and continuous recording of interstitial fluid pressure in animals and humans. Studies in dogs of the anterolateral compartment of the leg in simulation of the compartment syndrome showed the technique to be accurate and reproducible. The wick catheter technique is capable of important clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic compartment syndromes.