Association of AFLP and SSR markers with agronomic and fibre quality traits in Gossypium hirsutum L

Molecular markers linked to QTL contributing to agronomic and fibre quality traits would be useful for cotton improvement. We have attempted to tag yield and fibre quality traits with AFLP and SSR markers using F(2) and F(3) populations of a cross between two Gossypium hirsutum varieties, PS56-4 and RS2013. Out of 50 AFLP primer combinations and 177 SSR primer pairs tested, 32 AFLP and four SSR primers were chosen for genotyping F(2) individuals. Marker-trait associations were studied for eight agronomic and five fibre quality traits through simple and multiple regression analysis (MRA) using a set of 92 AFLP polymorphic loci and four SSR markers. Simple linear regression analysis (SLRA) identified 23 markers for eight different traits whereas multiple regression analysis identified 30 markers for at least one of the 13 traits. SSR marker BNL 3502 was consistently identified to be associated with fibre strength. While all the markers identified in SLRA were also detected in MRA, as many as 16 of the 30 markers were identified to be associated with respective traits in both F2 and F3 generations. The markers explained up to 41 per cent of phenotypic variation for individual traits. A number of markers were found to be associated with multiple traits suggesting clustering of QTLs for fibre quality traits in cotton.

Estimation of trace amounts of benzene in solvent-extracted vegetable oils and oil seed cakes

A new method is presented for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of trace amounts (up to 0.15 ppm) of benzene in crude as well as refined vegetable oils obtained by extraction with food grade hexane (FGH), and in the oil seed cakes left after extraction. The method involves the selection of two solvents; cyclohexanol, for thinning of viscous vegetable oil, and heptane, for azeotroping out trace benzene as a concentrate from the resulting mixture. Benzene is then estimated in the resulting azeotrope either by UV spectroscopy or by GC-MS subject to availability and cost effectiveness of the latter. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method is within 1-3% error. This method is suitable for estimating benzene in vegetable oils and oil seed cakes.

NMR imaging investigations of drug delivery devices using a flow-through USP dissolution apparatus

A system for performing NMR imaging experiments on drug delivery devices within a flow-through dissolution apparatus, USP Apparatus 4, has been developed. The system was used to image the physical changes that occur in solid dosage forms during dissolution in the flow-through apparatus. Simultaneous cumulative drug release measurements were also made. The NMR images obtained under these conditions and the drug release data provide a better understanding of the processes involved in the release of drugs from drug delivery systems based on diffusion, dissolution and osmosis mechanisms.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in the diagnosis and management of pars planitis caused by caterpillar hairs

PURPOSE

To report the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the detection of caterpillar hairs in the pars plana in a patient with unilateral pars planitis.

METHOD

Ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging of the anterior segment of the eye.

RESULTS

Ultrasound biomicroscopy located a hair in the posterior chamber at the first visit and five more in the pars plana 1 month later. This finding was confirmed intraoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound biomicroscopy is useful in the diagnosis and management of unilateral pars planitis of uncertain cause.

Use of NMR imaging in the optimization of a compression-coated regulated release system

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging is routinely used to detect the protons of mobile water molecules within samples. In this investigation, this non-destructive, non-invasive technique was used to determine the cause for faster than predicted drug release from a dissolution-based regulated-release tablet. The NMR images of tablets, from two different formulations, taken at various intervals of time while immersed in static USP dissolution medium showed that the tablet with faster than predicted drug release had a porous coating. The porous coat exposed more of the core surface area to the dissolution medium than desired and this caused an increase in the rate of dissolution of the core. The data presented in this paper demonstrate the usefulness of NMR imaging in solid dosage form development.

A review of childhood admission with perforating ocular injuries in a hospital in north-west India

A retrospective study of perforating ocular injuries in children below the age of fifteen years was conducted. Eighty patients (eighty-nine eyes) were included in this study. Male children were more susceptible to ocular injury as compared to females (p = < 0.01). Children of the school-going age were the most affected (73.8%). Majority of the injuries occurred in the sports field (p = < 0.01). Playing with bow and arrow, and gillidanda* accounted for majority of the sport injuries (47.2%). Sixty-eight percent of the perforated eyes had no light perception at the end of treatment. Health education on the preventive aspects of ocular injuries in schools as well as through mass media should reduce the incidence of visual loss due to ocular injuries.

Intraocular pressure profile during general anesthesia

The effect of some anesthetic drugs on intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 120 normal healthy patients undergoing non-ophthalmic surgical procedures. IOP rose significantly following the injection of succinylcholine (SCh) alone, or when such injection had been preceded by a pretreatment with a "self-taming" dose of SCh or d-tubocurarine (d-Tc). Though the rise in IOP after diazepam pretreatment was significant, the magnitude was lower than that observed in the groups pretreated with the other two agents. Halothane brought the IOP down faster and lower than ether. SCh is unsafe for intubation for the administration of general anesthesia in cases involving penetrating ocular injuries. It can, however, be used safely for routine ophthalmic surgery, providing that 8 minutes are allowed to elapse between injection and corneal or scleral incision. Halothane is preferred to ether, since the former lowers IOP faster and in a greater amount than the latter.

Occurrence and characterization of lympho-agglutinins in Indian plants

Lympho-agglutinins have been detected and characterized in 31 plant species. Out of these, 14 agglutinated only the neuraminidase-treated cells. The lectin-rich genera included Crotalaria and Erythrina (Fabaceae), Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae), Artocarpus (Moraceae) and Clerodendron (Verbenaceae). The new lectins varied in their potency and biological action spectra. The 3 Artocarpus species were found to be exceptionally potent and specific for melibiose, an alpha-D-galactoside. Among the most effective sugar inhibitors for other lectins were N-acetyl-galactosamine, lactose, galactose and asialofetuin/fetuin.

Tack behavior of coating solutions III

The effect of finely divided solids on the tackiness of coating solutions was determined using a parallel-plate technique. Results demonstrated that the tackiness of coating solutions containing relatively low concentration of polymers augments with the increase in concentration and diminishes with the increasing particle size of finely divided solids. In contrast, the tackiness of coating solutions containing high concentrations of polymers is suppressed upon increasing the concentration and decreasing the size of finely divided solids.

Biochemical analysis of human seminal plasma. II. Protein, non-protein nitrogen, urea, uric acid and creatine

Seminal levels of protein, non-protein nitrogen (NPN), urea, uric acid and creatine were determined in human males divided as normal (Group I), azoospermia (Group II), infertile (Groups III, IV and V) with different sperm numbers and vasectomized (Group VI) cases. The geometrical mean level of seminal protein of Gr. I and Gr. V were significantly greater than that of Gr. IV. No significant difference in the levels of NPN and urea between any of the groups revealed. The seminal creatine level of Gr. I was significantly higher than that of Gr. III which in its turn was greater than that of Gr. VI, which recorded a value lowest of all the groups. Mean levels of uric acid of Gr. I was significantly greater than those of other five groups, taken individually. A direct correlation between uric acid level and sperm counts is an important observation that has emerged from this study.

Tack behavior of coating solutions II

The tackiness of coating solutions containing high concentrations of polymers was determined using a parallel plate technique. Kinematics of the film-splitting process was also investigated using a high-speed movie camera. The results showed that the impulse required to split a liquid film of highly concentrated polymer solution (semisolid), in contrast to a dilute solution is related not to viscosity, but to the internal structures of the system. Evidence has been found that the materials that are considered to be tacky in practice, display "delayed elastic effects" and require far larger impulses than nontacky materials.

Biochemical analysis of human seminal plasma. I. Fructose, ascorbate, cholesterol, adenosine triphosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase

Seminal levels of fructose, ascorbate, cholesterol, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated in human males divided into normal (Group I), azoospermic (Group II), infertile (Groups III, IV and V with different sperm numbers) and vasectomized (Group VI) cases. The fructose level of the normal subjects (Gr. I) recorded the lowest geometric mean value and that of the azoospermic patients being the highest; other groups registered intermediate values. A significant difference was evident in the level of ascorbate between normal (Gr. I) and azoospermic (Gr. II) conditions, the level being higher in the normal group. The seminal ATPase activity of different groups varied inversely with the number of sperms, the mean value of the normal (Gr.I) being the lowest. The results suggest that determination of seminal ATPase and ascorbate levels is likely to yield some useful information about the semen quality.

Tack behavior of coating solutions I

The tackiness of various tablet coating solutions was determined using a parallel plate technique with a tensile testing machine in conjunction with an oscilloscope where the separation force was displayed as a function of time. Measurements were made at various rates of separation on liquid films of constant thickness. Results showed that the force required to split a liquid film increases with an increase in rate of separation, and that tackiness increases with an increase in viscosity. The relation between tack and viscosity was not linear, and a modified Stefan equation was proposed.

Effect of iodide on mucociliary transport in anesthetized dogs

Using a recently described tracer method, we determined tracheal transport velocity (TTV) before and after intravenous administration of 10 ml of 0.1% sodium iodide (NaI) in anesthetized dogs. In nine experiments in hydrated dogs TTV did not change significantly after NaI therapy (mean change -1.3 mm/min +/- 1.8 SEM; P greater than 0.10). In 10 experiments in dehydrated dogs TTV increased significantly after NaI therapy (mean change 6.1 mm/min +/- 2.1; P less than 0.02). In 13 control experiments in dehydrated dogs not given NaI, TTV did not change significantly (mean change 1.4 mm/min +/- 1.1; P greater than 0.2). The increase in TTV in the dehydrated dogs treated with NaI was significantly greater than the change in TTV in the dehydrated dogs not given NaI (P less than 0.025). Previous studies have shown a dehydration-induced depression of TTV which was reversed by rehydration. These findings suggest that iodides improve mucociliary transport function in the dehydrated state but not the hydrated state and that this improvement is comparable to that following rehydration.

Effect of intravenous cimetidine on mucociliary transport in anesthetized dogs

Previous studies have shown that aerosolized histamine increases tracheal mucociliary transport velocity, whereas topically administered H1-antihistamines depress mucociliary function. Using a radiolabelled tracer method in anesthetized dogs, we determined tracheal transport velocity (TTV) before and 30 and 60 min after intravenous administration of 150 mg of cimetidine, an H2-antihistamine. In 12 experiments, 30 and 60 min after cimetidine, mean TTV increased significantly (mean changes 5.1 +/- 1.8 and 5.7 +/- 2.6 mm/min, respectively, P less than or equal to 0.05), whereas in seven control experiments in which cimetidine was not given, mean TTV did not change over 1 h (mean change 1.1 +/- 2.5 mm/min; P greater than 0.05). However, the increase in TTV after cimetidine was not significantly different from the spontaneous change in the control animals (P greater than 0.1). These results suggest that cimetidine, unlike H1-antihistamines, does not depress and may possibly improve mucociliary transport function.

Abnormalities of pulmonary vascular dynamics and inflammation in early progressive systemic sclerosis

Abnormalities of pulmonary function were studied in 10 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and 3 control subjects. All underwent 81M krypton lung scanning and total body gallium scanning. Immune complexes were measured by Raji cell radioimmunoassay and polyethylene glycol (PEG) assay. Perfusion scans were abnormal in 7 of 9 patients, and 5 of 9 showed a decrease in pulmonary perfusion after cold challenge. Increased gallium uptake was noted in the lungs of 6 of 9 patients. Krypton scans were normal in the control group. Elevated immune complexes were noted in 8 of 10 patients by the Raji assay and in 5 of 10 with the PEG assay. Efforts to separate patients with PSS into subgroups may lead to a better understanding of and advances in therapy for PSS.

Sites of airway dilatation in asthma following inhaled versus subcutaneous terbutaline. Comparison of physiologic tests with radionuclide lung images

In 12 asthmatic subjects with mild to severe airways obstruction, we compared the relative magnitude and sites of airway dilatation of a beta-adrenergic stimulant administered by different routes. Specific airway conductance (SGaw), peak expiratory flow, the sum of the absolute volume of isoflow and residual volume as a percentage of total lung capacity (capacity of isoflow) and the ratio of maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of vital capacity breathing 80 per cent helium-20 per cent oxygen to that breathing air (ratio Vmax50) were determined before and after the administration of aerosolized terbutaline (0.5 mg), subcutaneous terbutaline (0.5 mg) or placebo. Increases in SGaw and peak expiratory flow of greater than or equal to 25 per cent were considered to indicate significant dilatation of central airways; increases in ratio Vmax50 of greater than or equal to 0.10 and decreases in capacity of isoflow of greater than or equal to 10 per cent were assumed to reflect dilatation of peripheral airways. In addition, radioaerosol and radioxenon lung imaging was performed to determine the relationship between changes in lung imaging patterns and changes in physiologic indices in response to bronchodilator therapy. Placebo caused little change in lung function or lung imaging. After inhaled terbutaline, SGaw and peak expiratory flow increased greater than or equal to 25 per cent in seven subjects, ratio Vmax50 increased greater than or equal to 0.10 in only three subjects, capacity of isoflow decreased greater than or equal to 10 per cent in only one subject, radioaerosol images showed less central deposition in nine subjects and radioxenon images showed improved distribution and/or washout of xenon in five subjects. After the administration of subcutaneous terbutaline, SGaw and peak expiratory flow increased greater than or equal to 25 per cent in 10 subjects, ratio Vmax50 increased greater than or equal to 0.10 in 10 subjects, capacity of isoflow decreased greater than or equal to 10 per cent in 11 subjects, and radioaerosol and xenon images showed improvement in 11 and eight subjects, respectively. These findings are consistent with the action of inhaled terbutaline mainly on large airways and of subcutaneous terbutaline on both large and small airways. Although reduced central radioaerosol deposition correlated well with physiologic evidence of large airway dilatation, improvement in xenon distribution and washout could be attributed to dilatation of either large and/or small airways.

Diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in lung cancer presenting as mediastinal mass(es)

The diagnostic yields of prebonchoscopy sputum specimens and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (including brushings, washings, and/or biopsies) were determined in 35 patients who presented primarily with middle or anterior mediastinal and/or paratracheal mass(es) on chest radiographs. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology of tissue obtained by needle biopsy, mediastinoscopy, thoracotomy, and/or autopsy. Thirty-one of the patients were found to have primary bronchogenic carcinomas. At bronchoscopy, extrinsic compression of trachea and/or bronchi was visualized in 23 (Group I) and the tracheobronchial tree appeared normal in 12 (Group II). Prebronchoscopy sputa gave a positive yield in only three of the 35 (8%) patients; the yield was similar in both groups of patients. One or more of the bronchoscopic modalities were diagnostic in 69% of Group I patients but were not helpful in Group II patients. The diagnostic yield of brushings, washings, and biopsies in Group I patients was 52%, 61%, and 37%, respectively. The addition of biopsies to washings and/or brushings did not significantly alter the yield. Washings and brushings are recommended as useful, non-invasive procedures in diagnosing middle mediastinal masses with extrinsic compression. Sputum cytology gives a very low yield.

Candida pneumonia: experience with 20 patients

Case reports of 20 patients with histologic evidence of Candida pneumonia at autopsy were studied retrospectively. Most of the patients had had malignant conditions or immunosuppressive disorders, or had been treated by immunosuppressive agents such as steroids. Clinical findings included cough, purulent sputum and invariable hypoxia. Of the 20 patients, 14 had positive sputum cultures, 6 had positive blood cultures and 6 had positive urine cultures for Candida organisms. Findings on chest radiographs of most of the patients showed diffuse bronchopneumonia with confluent areas of air space consolidation. Five patients had been suspected of having Candida pneumonia and were treated empirically with amphotericin B, but none survived.

Imaging sites of airway obstruction and measuring functional responses to bronchodilator treatment in asthma

The sites of airway obstruction and dilatation after terbutaline administration were studied by inhalation imaging and pulmonary function tests in 12 stable asthmatic patients. Inhaled terbutaline as a therapeutic aerosol decreased airway resistance (Raw) and improved radioaerosol (Ae) images in nine, delta V max50 in three, and xenon (Xe) images in five of 12 subjects, suggesting that its predominant site of action was on major airways. Subcutaneously injected terbutaline improved Raw, delta V max50, and Ae images in 11 and Xe images in eight subjects indicating that it released bronchospasm in the major and minor airways. These findings in asthma suggest that aerosol and Xe imaging procedures are sensitive indicators of large and small airway obstruction respectively.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in diagnosis of opportunistic lung infections: assessment of Sputa, Washings, Brushings and biopsy specimens

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (washings, brushings and biopsies) was done in 25 cases of proven opportunistic pulmonary infections in compromised hosts. Diagnostic yields of bronchoscopic procedures and expectorated sputum were compared. Sputum examination gave the lowest yield (14 percent). Bronchial washings and brushings were diagnostic in 30 percent and 38 percent of patients, respectively. On transbronchial biopsy of the lung (TBB) pathogens were identified in 75 percent of patients with Pneumocystis carinii infection and 67 percent of patients with other opportunistic infections. The overall TBB yield of 73 percent was superior (P<0.05) to that of either washings or brushings. The yield from combining washings and brushings was greater than from either procedure alone, but combination with TBB did not result in any significant improvement. TBB is recommended as a useful diagnostic procedure in patients with suspected opportunistic pulmonary infections. Morbidity was minimal with this procedure, and the need for thoracotomy was reduced when it was used.

Improved radioaerosol administration system for routine inhalation lung imaging

An improved radioaerosol administration system has been developed to reduce the number of droplets larger than 2.0 micron in diameter which have caused abnormal hyperdeposition of inhaled aerosols in the large airways. The new system has achieved this goal by interposing a reservoir-setting bag in the aerosol delivery line between the nebulizer and the patient. The components are inexpensive, commercially available and easily assembled in any nuclear medicine service.

Ventilation-perfusion lung imaging in diaphragmatic paralysis

We have described a patient with paralysis of the diaphragm, in whom dyspnea, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia increased when he changed from the upright to the supine position. Ventilation (V) and perfusion (P) images of the right lung appeared to be normal and remained nearly the same in the upright and supine positions. In contrast, V and P images of the left lung were smaller than those of the right lung in the upright position and decreased further in the supine position. In addition, the ventilation image of the left lung was much smaller than the perfusion image in both positions.

Lung clearance of soluble radioaerosols of different molecular weights in systemic sclerosis

Clearance rates of soluble radioaerosols of sodium pertechnetate (99mTcO4; mol wt 163) and diethylenetriaminepenta-acetate (99mTc-DTPA; mol wt 492) were determined in seven normal subjects and ten patients with systemic sclerosis affecting the lungs. Twenty millicuries (mCi) each of 99mTcO4 and 99mTc-DTPA in 5 ml saline were aerosolised and inhaled using a disposable "Blount" nebuliser on two different days. Two regions of interest over each posterior lung field were monitored with scintillation camera, and data were stored on magnetic tape using a Hewlett Packard Data Analyser. Decreasing levels of radioactivity were plotted semilogarithmically and half-time (T 1 1/2) removal rates were calculated. The T 1 1/2) values in normal subjects did not differ significantly from T 142 values of the patients with TcO4. However, the removal rates of the higher molecular weight solute were significantly faster from lower lung zones in patients with systemic sclerosis than in the normal subjects. The faster absorption of DTPA from lower lung zones of the patients could be due to regional abnormalities of alveolar epithelium at the lung bases, presumably as a result of greater retractive forces secondary to fibrosis.

Small airways in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS)

Obstructive disease involving peripheral airways has been noted in diffuse interstitial pulmonary disease, including sarcoidosis and cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. The possibility of obstruction of small airways in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) has been suggested by widespread bronchiolectasis and peribronchial fibrosis noted at necropsy. We performed pulmonary function studies in 39 subjects (22 nonsmokers and 17 smokers) with PSS, most of whom had functional evidence of interstitial pulmonary involvement (increased static recoil pressure and reduced diffusing capacity). The 1 second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1:FVC) was normal in all subjects. Although the severity of the restrictive process was greater in nonsmokers compared with that in smokers, the maximal mid-expiratory flow rate, closing volume, closing capacity, volume of isoflow, change in maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of vital capacity during 80 per cent helium--20 per cent oxygen breathing compared with air breathing (delta Vmax50), ratio of dynamic to static lung compliance at different breathing frequencies and upstream airway conductance at static recoil pressures of 5 and 10 cm H2O were nearly always normal in the nonsmokers but were frequently abnormal in the smokers with PSS. These findings suggest that diffuse interstitial pulmonary disease due to PSS generally does not lead to functional evidence of obstruction in peripheral airways and that when the latter is found it can likely be attributed to the effects of concomitant cigarette smoking.

Diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in metastatic pulmonary tumors

The fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedure (with brushings, washings, and biopsies) was performed and specimens of sputum were obtained before the procedure in 37 patients with cancer metastatic to the lung. Of the 37 patients studied, endobronchial lesions were visualized at bronchoscopic examination in 14 (group 1), and no endobronchial lesion was seen in 23 (group 2). The yield of bronchial brushing and washings was not significantly different in group 1 and 2, whereas examination of sputum obtained before the bronchoscopic procedure and bronchial biopsy in group 1 yielded higher results than the same procedures in group 2. The radiographic findings did not influence the yield with any of the bronchoscopic procedures. The overall positive diagnostic yield from fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedures among these patients was 54 percent (20/37), regardless of their bronchoscopic or radiologic findings.

Effect of atropine on mucociliary transport velocity in anesthetized dogs

We recently described a radioactive tracer method of measuring mucociliary transport rates (MCTR) in vivo in dogs. The distance from larynx to carina is measured on inserting a calibrated fiberoptic bronchoscope into the trachea. A small volume (0.04 to 0.1 ml) of a suspension of radio-labeled albumin microspheres 5 to 7 micrometer in diameter is then deposited on the mucosal surface at the carina via a catheter placed through the inner channel of the bronchoscope. The rate of movement of these sphere towards the larynx is visualized sequentially by means of a gamma scintillation camera with a large field of view and is recorded as polaroid images during 10 to 30 min. By using this technique, transport rates were determined in the tracheas of 10 anesthetized dogs (17 experiments) before and 10 min after intravenous infusion of 0.4 mg of atropine sulfate; each animal served as its own control subject. Baseline MCTR values were determined by using microspheres labeled with 140-KeV technetium-99m. After infusion of atropine, MCTR values were again determined using micropheres labeled with 390-KeV indium-113m. Because of their widely differing energy spectrums, both test agents could be used in rapid succession by adjusting the spectrometer of the scintillation camera. MCTR increased in 13 experiments, did not change in two, and decreased in two. The percentage increase in MCTR after infusion of atropine was significant as compared to baseline values (30.0 +/- 0.6 per cent, mean +/- SE; P less than 0.05 by paired t test), as was the absolute change in MCTR after infusion of atropine (P less than 0.05 by 2-way analysis of variance). Therefore, the effect of atropine in improving mucociliary clearance was quantitatively similar to that previously reported for beta-adrenergic agonists.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of lung cancer comparison of pre-and post-bronchoscopy sputa, washings, bruchings and biopsies

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (brushings, washings and biopsies) was performed and pre- and post-bronchoscopy sputum cytologies obtained on 70 patients with histopathologically proven lung cancer. Bronchoscopy, with its associated procedures performed in 52 patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma, was diagnostic in 41 (79%). Of all the various methods of obtaining specimens, bronchial brushing and bronchial biopsy gave the highest percentage yield (67%). However, since brush specimens could be obtained from peripheral lesions under fluoroscopic guidance, a greater number of positive specimens were obtained by this procedure (34) than by forceps biopsy (25), making brushing more useful. Pre- and post-bronchoscopy sputa were positive and thus of value in two cases when brushing and biopsy were both negative. Bronchial washing did not add significantly to the yield of positives and could therefore be eliminated as an unnecessary cost-and time-consuming procedure. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was not helpful in diagnosing mediastinal tumors (5), lung metastases (7) and bronchial adenomas (6).

Effects of hydration and physical therapy on tracheal transport velocity

A new tracer method for quantitative measurement of tracheal transport velocity (mm per min) in dogs has been described. Using the same technique, the effects of dehydration, rehydration, postural drainage, and chest percussion on tracheal transport velocity were studied. Mean tracheal transport velocity decreased significantly (14.1 +/- 1.4) after dehydration (P less than 0.05) and reverted to normal (19.0 +/- 1.3) with rehydration in 10 dogs. After postural drainage in 7 dogs, mean tracheal transport velocity increased 39.7 +/- 1.78 (SE) per cent (P less than 0.01). After chest percussion in 6 dogs, mean tracheal transport velocity increased 50.9 +/- 1.22 (SE) per cent. With combined postural drainage and chest percussion, mean tracheal transport velocity increased 50.0 +/- 0.32 (SE) per cent. Although maximal improvement occurred after the combined therapy, the changes were not significantly different from those observed with each therapy alone. These therapeutic measures have been used empirically in the past. The present study gives some objective evidence for their beneficial effects in anesthetized dogs.

Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using radionuclide lung-imaging procedures

One hundred subjects answered a respiratory questionnaire and underwent a physical examination, tests of pulmonary function, and three radionuclide lung-imaging procedures. The results of the radionuclide procedures were compared with each other and with pulmonary function tests and other diagnostic findings to determine their relative sensitivity for detecting evidence of early obstructive airway disease. Perfusion lung imaging was less sensitive than most of the other diagnostic tests evaluated. The aerosol and xenon lung-imaging procedures revealed abnormalities with approximately the same frequency as each other, but more often than any one group of pulmonary function tests, including spirometric data, maximal expiratory flow-volume curves, alveolararterial oxygen gradient, or indices derived from single-breath nitrogen washout. We concluded that xenon and aerosol lung-imaging studies are sensitive and useful screening procedures for detecting evidence of early localized obstructive airway disease and for locating regional abnormalities in the airways of patients with respiratory disease.

Imaging experimental pulmonary ischemic lesions after inhalation of a diffusible radioaerosol: concise communication

Regional lung ischemia was imaged with a rapidly diffusible radioaerosol of pertechnetate. The method is compared with similar techniques using 11C and 15O. The principles involved include (A) the rapid alveolar-capillary diffusion of inhaled radioactive gases (11CO, C15O, and C15O2) and the radioaerosol of 99mTcO4-; (B) the patency of the airways to the ischemic regions; and, most importantly; (C) the much slower tracer removal from lung tissue with a stagnant circulation as opposed to the surrounding normal lung. The 11CO and C15O label the hemoglobin in red blood cells, and the C15O2 labels water in the circulation and in the stagnant ischemic region. The TcO4- probably labels the albumin of the plasma in the embolized regions and in the circulating blood. Experiments involving pulmonary embolism in dogs, proved by pre- and post-mortem angiography and gross post-mortem examination, show that positive ischemic lesions (hot spots) are observed, after TcO4- aerosol and C15O2 gas inhalation, in the embolized region on the same day. Clinical trials with aerosol-inhalation method in suspected pulmonary embolism and now under way.

Transbronchial lung biopsy using fiberoptic bronchoscope

Transbronchial lung biopsy through the fiberoptic bronchoscope was done in 15 patients, and adequate pulmonary tissue was obtained in 14 (93.3%). A pathologic diagnosis was made in nine patients (64.3%), and through direct histologic examination of lung tissue in two patients certain disease entities were excluded, thus significantly influencing treatment. There was no significant hemorrhage and only one small pneumothorax occurred.

Measurement of mucociliary transport velocity in the intact mucosa

A new method for measuring the velocity of the tracheal mucous transport rate in anesthetized dogs is described. The length of the trachea is determined with the bronchoscope as the distance between the larynx and the lower end of the trachea at the level of the carina. A small volume (0.04 to 0.1 ml) of albumin microspheres 5 mgm to 7 mum in diameter labeled with radioactive 99m technetium or 113m indium is deposited on the mucosal surface at the lower end of the trachea via a catheter placed in the inner channel of a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The movement of the microspheres towards the larynx is visualized and recorded using a scintallation camera (Picker Dyna Camera) with a large field of view (30 cm in diameter) for 30 to 60 minutes, depending upon the time required for the spheres to reach the top of the trachea. Polaroid pictures are made immediately and every minute thereafter until the activity reaches the larynx. The data are also recorded and stored on magnetic tape for subsequent analyses by computer. The length in millimeters divided by the time in minutes gives the transport velocity rate. The mean velocity was found to be 19.2 +/- 1.6 mm/min (+/- SE).

Imaging small pulmonary ischemic lesions after radioactive carbon monoxide inhalation

A new method is described for imaging small ischemic regions in the lung immediately after a single breath of radioactive carbon monoxide (11CO). A tungsten-collimated scintillation camera is used to visualize the 0.51-MeV annihilation photons due to the 11C. In normal dogs the entire field is cleared of 11CO within 10 sec. However, in dogs with experimentally occluded 2-mm-diam segmental arteries, the ischemic but well-ventilated segment appears as a region of persistent high radioactivity, due most likely to temporary entrapment of 11CO-labeled red blood cells in the ischemic region. This technique also provides a simple noninvasive means for instantly labeling the systemic circulation without left heart catheterization.