Hysterosalpingography: a step up for dose reduction.

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of last image capture in interpreting a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) when compared to conventional spot views; to confirm its validity in showing pathology; to establish its use as the preferred method; and to decrease the radiation dose to the patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of women aged ≥18 years. A standard technique was performed including additional five last image capture after each spot view. Every patient had two stacks of images, one with the exposure film and one with the last image capture. The images were interpreted separately (high-dose versus low-dose) and blindly by two radiologists with different levels of training assessing for uterine abnormalities, fallopian tube abnormalities, peritoneal spillage, and incidental findings. Inter-reading variability was calculated using Kohen's kappa. RESULTS: Discrepancies between exposure film and last image capture were detected in only a minority of cases for all variables. Except for the presence of strictures, there was at least substantial agreement between the readers and almost perfect agreement regarding peritoneal spillage and fallopian tube patency, both on exposure film and last image capture. CONCLUSION: Reduction in radiation dose without compromising the diagnostic efficacy of HSG is mandatory. If the study is of sufficient quality and deemed negative on last image capture, conventional spot view can be avoided. If further detail is required, standard spot views can still be obtained. Using last image capture instead of spot films has the potential to reduce the overall radiation dose by up to 78%.

Alpha 2-macroglobulin in sulci from healthy and inflamed human gingivae.

The concentration of alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M) in human gingival sulci has been investigated in two studies: first, in gingival washings during a 21-day period of experimental gingivitis in eight human volunteers and, second, in crevicular fluid collected with filter paper strips before and after initial periodontal therapy in 11 patients. The concentration of total alpha 2-M was found to increase in the washings of the volunteers throughout the period of experimental gingivitis. In the group of patients receiving periodontal therapy, the absolute amount of alpha 2-M in the fluid showed a significant decrease after therapy. The gingival index of inflammation and the crevicular fluid flow also decreased significantly. The specific content of the inhibitor (micrograms of alpha 2-M per mg of fluid per min), however, was found to increase in the fluid with decreasing inflammation. As detected by crossed immunoelectrophoresis, the fluid collected in these patients before therapy, in the presence of severe inflammation, invariably showed peaks of both free and complexed alpha 2-M. In contrast, the fluid collected from the same sites after healing of the inflammation contained no detectable free alpha 2-M.

Immunofluorescence localization of a small heat shock protein (hsp 23) in salivary gland cells of Drosophila melanogaster.

An aggregate present in cell-free extracts of Drosophila melanogaster tissue culture cells, sedimenting at 20 to 30S, contains hsps 23, 26 and 27. Hsp 23 was purified from this aggregate and a monospecific antibody was raised against it. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed the presence of hsp 23 preferentially in nuclei after heat shock, while on return to 25 degrees C, hsp 23 was reduced in nuclei and increased in the cytoplasm. Thus the immunofluorescence observations reported here unambiguously confirm for hsp 23 earlier reports that heat shock proteins are mainly found in nuclei after heat shock and that upon return to 25 degrees C, they move to the cytoplasm.

Two forms of simian-virus-40-specific T-antigen in abortive and lytic infection.

Simian-virus-40-specific T-antigen was isolated by immunoprecipitation. From other studies we have proof that the T-antigen described in this work is coded by the viral DNA. The molecular weight estimated from electrophoretic mobility in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels of T-antigen isolated from nonpermissive mouse cells in abortive infection is 86,000 and from permissive monkey cells in lytic infection is 82,000. The 86 kilodalton T-antigen is readily converted in vitro into an 82 kilodalton form by incubation with extracts from permissive monkey cells but not with extracts from nonpermissive mouse or hamster cells. This and the results of fingerprinting analysis of tryptic peptides suggest that T-antigen may be processed in permissive cells.