PERFORMANCE OF THE INSTADOSETM DOSEMETER FOR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY AND CARDIOLOGY APPLICATION.

The aim of this article was to verify the performance of the Mirion InstadoseTM dosemeter under clinical conditions and to compare its response in typical X-ray fields used during interventional and cardiology procedures with the TLD-100, usually used for radiation dosimetry. It was also objective of this study to verify the feasibility of using the InstadoseTM dosemeter response at the chest level for estimation of occupational eye lens dose in cardiology and interventional radiology. Initially the response of the dosemeter was tested using continuous X-ray beams and the results showed that the Instadose dosemeter present a satisfactory behavior of the most important dosimetric properties based on the tests as described in the IEC 62387 standard. The measurements performed in clinical conditions showed that the InstadoseTM dosemeter response was comparable to that of TL dosemeters used in interventional radiology and cardiology procedures and there is a correlation between the eye lens doses and the chest doses measured with the InstadoseTM. Based on the results obtained, we recommend the use of the InstadoseTM dosemeter for purposes of occupational whole-body monitoring of medical staff in interventional radiology and cardiology procedures.

Comportamento ingestivo de vacas leiteiras em pastagem de azevém alimentadas com diferentes fontes proteicas / Ingestive behavior of dairy cows in annual ryegrass pasture, fed with different proteic sources

Estudou-se o efeito da substituição do farelo de soja da ração por pastejo controlado de trevo-branco (Trifolium repens L.) sobre o comportamento ingestivo de vacas da raça Holandesa em pastejo de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Utilizaram-se dois grupos de animais, com média de 20 vacas agrupadas por produção, período de lactação e peso corporal, em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso. Um grupo recebeu, diariamente, 3kg de suplemento energético e teve acesso controlado à pastagem de trevo-branco por aproximadamente duas horas e meia (TB); o outro recebeu o mesmo suplemento, adicionado de quantidade de proteína equivalente ao consumo diário no tratamento anterior via trevo, na forma de farelo de soja (FS). Para a avaliação de comportamento, procedeu-se à observação e ao registro do ritmo de atividade dos animais, no período de pastejo em azevém durante dois dias consecutivos, quinzenalmente. Observou-se maior tempo de pastejo em minutos (min), 212,00 versus 194,24min dia-1, e frequência de bocados (bocado), 67,78 versus 64,09 bocado min-1, entre os animais do tratamento FS, em relação ao TB. Não houve diferença no consumo de azevém entre os tratamentos, com valores de 3,65 e 4,11kg vaca-1 dia-1 de matéria seca para TB e FS, respectivamente, o que sugere adequada adaptação dos animais às duas situações estudadas...

The effect of the replacement of soybean meal in the ration with controlled grazing of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) on the ingestive behavior of cows of the holstein breed grazing on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) was studied. Two groups of animals with an average of 20 cows grouped by production, lactation period and body weight were used in a randomized block experimental design. One group received 3kg from energy supplement daily and had controlled access to the white clover pasture for approximately 2.5 hours (TB); the other received the same supplement, added of a quantity of protein equivalent to daily intake in previous treatment via white clover, in the form of soybean meal (FS). For behavior assessment the observation and recording of the rhythm of activity of the animals, during the grazing period in ryegrass for two consecutive days, fortnightly was done. The longest grazing time in minutes (min), 212.00 versus 194.24min day-1, and bite frequency (bite), 67.78 versus 64.09 bite min-1, between the animals from treatment FS, when compared to TB was observed. There was no difference in the intake of ryegrass between the treatments, with values of 3.65 and 4.11kg cow-1 day-1 of dry matter for TB and FS, respectively, suggesting adequate adaptation of the animals in the two situations studied...

Composição do leite de vacas Holandesas em pastejo de azevém com a utilização do trevo branco como fonte proteica / Milk composition of Holstein cows grazing ryegrass with the use of white clover as a protein source

Avaliou-se a composição do leite de animais em pastejo de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) alimentados com trevo branco (Trifolium repens L.) como substituição ao componente proteico da ração (farelo de soja), em porcentagens de proteína, lactose, sólidos totais e contagem de células somáticas. Utilizaram-se dois grupos com oito vacas da raça Holandesa, agrupados por produção, período de lactação e peso corporal, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Um grupo recebeu, diariamente, 3kg de suplemento energético subtraído de farelo de soja e teve acesso à pastagem de trevo branco por, aproximadamente, 2,5 horas (TB); o outro recebeu o mesmo suplemento, adicionado de quantidade de proteína equivalente ao consumo diário no tratamento anterior via trevo, na forma de farelo de soja (FS). Foram observadas diferenças significativas para teor de proteína e lactose, sendo os maiores valores encontrados de proteína em TB (3,02%) e de lactose em FS (4,64%). Para as demais variáveis não houve diferença, com valores de 10,40 e 10,39% de sólidos totais e 182,88 e 153,53 (x1000) células somáticas em TB e FS, respectivamente, mostrando que a utilização dessa fonte alternativa de proteína foi eficiente.

Was evaluated the composition of milk from animals grazing annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) fed with white clover (Trifolium repens L.), as a replacement for the protein component of the ration (soybean meal), in percentages of protein, lactose, total solids and somatic cell counts. Were used two groups with eight Holstein cows, grouped by production, lactation period and body weight, in a randomized block design. One group received 3kg of energetic supplement subtracted of soybean meal daily and had access to the white clover pasture for approximately 2.5 hours (TB); the other received the same supplement, added of a quantity of protein equivalent to daily intake in previous treatment via white clover, in the form of soybean meal (FS). Significant differences were observed for protein and lactose content, with the highest values found for protein on TB (3.02%) and lactose on FS (4.64%). For the other variables there was no difference, with values from 10.40 and 10.39% of total solids and 182.88 and 153.53 (x1000) somatic cells on TB and FS respectively, showing that the use of this alternative source of protein was efficient.

Comparison of the efficacy of biodegradable and non-biodegradable scintillation liquids on the counting of tritium- and [14C]-labeled compounds.

The widespread use of H and 14C in research has generated a large volume of waste mixed with scintillation liquid, requiring an effective control and appropriate storage of liquid radioactive waste. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of three commercially available scintillation liquids, Optiphase HiSafe 3, Ultima-Gold AB (biodegradable) and Insta-Gel-XF (non-biodegradable), in terms of [14C]-glucose and [ H]-thymidine counting efficiency. We also analyzed the effect of the relative amount of water (1.6 to 50%), radioisotope concentration (0.1 to 100 nCi/ml), pH (2 to 10) and color of the solutions (samples containing 0.1 to 1.0 mg/ml of Trypan blue) on the counting efficiency in the presence of these scintillation liquids. There were few significant differences in the efficiency of 14C and H counting obtained with biodegradable or non-biodegradable scintillation liquids. However, there was an 83 and 94% reduction in the efficiency of 14C and H counting, respectively, in samples colored with 1 mg/ml Trypan blue, but not with 0.1 mg/ml, independent of the scintillation liquid used. Considering the low cost of biodegradable scintillation cocktails and their efficacy, these results show that traditional hazardous scintillation fluids may be replaced with the new safe biodegradable fluids without impairment of H and 14C counting efficiency. The use of biodegradable scintillation cocktails minimizes both human and environmental exposure to hazardous solvents. In addition, some biodegradable scintillation liquids can be 40% less expensive than the traditional hazardous cocktails.

Comparison of the efficacy of biodegradable and non-biodegradable scintillation liquids on the counting of tritium- and [14C]-labeled compounds

The widespread use of H and 14C in research has generated a large volume of waste mixed with scintillation liquid, requiring an effective control and appropriate storage of liquid radioactive waste. In the present study, we compared the efficacy of three commercially available scintillation liquids, Optiphase HiSafe 3, Ultima-GoldÕ AB (biodegradable) and Insta-Gel-XF (non-biodegradable), in terms of [14C]-glucose and [ H]-thymidine counting efficiency. We also analyzed the effect of the relative amount of water (1.6 to 50 percent), radioisotope concentration (0.1 to 100 nCi/ml), pH (2 to 10) and color of the solutions (samples containing 0.1 to 1.0 mg/ml of Trypan blue) on the counting efficiency in the presence of these scintillation liquids. There were few significant differences in the efficiency of 14C and H counting obtained with biodegradable or non-biodegradable scintillation liquids. However, there was an 83 and 94 percent reduction in the efficiency of 14C and H counting, respectively, in samples colored with 1 mg/ml Trypan blue, but not with 0.1 mg/ml, independent of the scintillation liquid used. Considering the low cost of biodegradable scintillation cocktails and their efficacy, these results show that traditional hazardous scintillation fluids may be replaced with the new safe biodegradable fluids without impairment of H and 14C counting efficiency. The use of biodegradable scintillation cocktails minimizes both human and environmental exposure to hazardous solvents. In addition, some biodegradable scintillation liquids can be 40 percent less expensive than the traditional hazardous cocktails.

Evaluation of two 99mTc-DTPA radioaerosols with different characteristics in lung ventilation studies.

Two radioaerosol preparations, TechneScan -DTPA (99mTc-DTPA, 40 mCi/3 ml; IPEN-CNEN, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) and TechneScan -DTPA/AEROSOL (99mTc-DTPA/A, 15 mCi/1.5 ml with 0.5 ml ethanol; Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO, USA), were compared in pulmonary ventilation studies in terms of total radiocounts and clearance after inhalation. An aerosol with ethanol is supposed to better distribute the radioparticles in the lungs. Twenty normal nonsmoking volunteers (10 men and 10 women), mean age of 23.2 years (range: 20 to 35 years), were studied. Images were obtained immediately and 30, 60 and 90 min after inhalation. Total and regional counts were obtained and the clearance half-lives of both lungs were determined. There was no difference in total counts between the two types of radioaerosol at any time (mean of approximately 188,000 cpm for male and female subjects at time zero in both aerosols). The highest count was obtained in the middle region of both lungs (P<0.001) with both preparations. The clearance half-life did not differ between aerosols (mean of ~80-88 min for male and female subjects for both aerosols). Small nonsignificant regional differences were observed. No differences between genders or between right and left lung were observed. 99mTc-DTPA/A generated the highest output of radioaerosol. 99mTc-DTPA with alcohol costs approximately five times more than the aerosol without alcohol. The present results show that either kind of aerosol may be adopted routinely for use in pulmonary examinations without affecting diagnosis. We suggest that the amount of 740 mBq (20 mCi) of 99mTc-DTPA in 1.5 ml saline can be used for routine examinations resulting in reduction of costs in pulmonary ventilation studies without diagnostic impairment.

TL response study of the CaSO4:Dy pellets with graphite for dosimetry in beta radiation and low-energy photons fields.

The CaSO4:Dy is a good thermoluminescent dosimeter because of its high sensitivity and low cost. With graphite in the pellets it is possible to reduce the energy dependence. The sensitivity and energy dependence of the different thicknesses of CaSO4:Dy pellets was studied with different amounts of graphite. The results have shown the optimal quantity of the graphite and the appropriate thickness of the pellets that can be used in dosimetry of beta field, photons or both simultaneously.

Immunoprecipitation of a 50-kDa protein: a candidate receptor component for tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (Bunyaviridae) in its main vector, Frankliniella occidentalis.

A 50-kDa protein that binds to viral particles in solid-phase assays and that is recognized by anti-idiotypic antibodies made against anti-viral glycoproteins G1/G2 (anti-Ids) has been proposed as a receptor candidate for tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) in its main thrips vector, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Bandla et al., 1998. Phytopathology 88, 98-104). Here we show the immunoprecipitation of the 50-kDa protein by anti-Ids and by an anti-G1/G2-TSWV conjugate - a new immunoprecipitation method. In addition, we show that anti-Ids made against anti-G1 (anti-IdG1) block virus replication in an insect tissue replication assay. The results indicate that (a) the TSWV-50-kDa protein interaction occurs in solution, as it must do in vivo; (b) G1 is a viral attachment protein; and (c) the 50-kDa protein is a candidate host factor essential for TSWV entry. These results provide additional support for the role of the 50-kDa thrips protein as a viral receptor. Additionally these experiments provide the basis for testing saturable binding and represent an important step toward the first cloning and identification of a cellular receptor for a plant virus.

Simplified, rapid method for cloning of virus-binding polypeptides (putative receptors) via the far-western screening of a cDNA expression library using purified virus particles.

A simplified, alternative method for cloning virus-binding polypeptides (receptor candidates) is described. The method is based on a far-Western assay using purified tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV, Bunyaviridae) for screening a lambda-phage cDNA expression library. The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, the principal vector of TSWV, in which the virus replicates, was used for library construction. Using this method several virus-binding polypeptides were identified, it eliminated the need for (a) a cellular infection or binding system, (b) the identification, cloning and expression of a functional viral attachment protein, or (c) the purification of the virus receptor. Using this method, virus-binding polypeptides can be selected and cloned in a very short period of time and used in subsequent experiments for determination of their biological relevance as virus receptors and/or tested for potential usefulness as inhibitors of virus transmission and/or infection.

Radioaerosol 99mTc-DTPA characterization produced by some nebulizers.

1. The radioaerosol 99mTc-DTPA produced by jet and ultrasonic nebulizers was characterized by measuring the median mass diameter (MMD) and geometric standard deviation (sigma g) and these characteristics were interpreted in terms of the aerodynamic principles of inertial impactation. 2. Jet nebulizers of the same model, with different outflows (NSA = 0.14 ml/min; NSB = 0.24 ml/min and NSC = 0.40 ml/min) showed different radioaerosol mass distribution, with MMD (NSC) > MMD (NSA). The ultrasonic nebulizer US-1000 from Narcosul, which is operated with an air flow of 2 l/min and frequency of 1.6 MHz, generated radioaerosol with MMD = 2.40 microns, higher than that obtained with most of the jet nebulizers evaluated (NSA = 1.50 microns; NSB1V = 1.40 microns; NSB2V = 1.20 microns and PITT#1 - 0.80 microns), and the ultrasonic nebulizer presented the highest outflow of the nebulized solution (1.15 ml/min). 3. Connecting one or two impactation reservoirs to the NSB jet nebulizer modified the mass distribution, which became significantly narrower for NSB2V when compared to the other two nebulizers. NSB2V presented a mass percentage with a diameter of 3 microns or less and a sufficient outflow for use in ventilation and pulmonary permeability studies. 4. Comparison of the mass collected in the cascade impactor and the total mass generated by the NSB, NSB1V and NSB2V nebulizers showed, on average, 4.5% efficiency in radioaerosol generation with a diameter of less than 16 microns and 3.2% efficiency for a diameter of 3 microns or less.

Radioaerosol 99mTc-DTPA characterization produced by some nebulizers

1. The radioaerosol 99mTc-DTPA produced by jet and ultrasonic nebulizers was characterized by measuring the median mass diameter (MMD) and geometric standard deviation (sigma g) and these characteristics were interpreted in terms of the aerodynamic principles of inertial impactation. 2. Jet nebulizers of the same model, with different outflows (NSA = 0.14 ml/min; NSB = 0.24 ml/min and NSC = 0.40 ml/min) showed different radioaerosol mass distribution, with MMD (NSC) > MMD (NSA). The ultrasonic nebulizer US-1000 from Narcosul, which is operated with an air flow of 2 l/min and frequency of 1.6 MHz, generated radioaerosol with MMD = 2.40 microns, higher than that obtained with most of the jet nebulizers evaluated (NSA = 1.50 microns; NSB1V = 1.40 microns; NSB2V = 1.20 microns and PITT#1 - 0.80 microns), and the ultrasonic nebulizer presented the highest outflow of the nebulized solution (1.15 ml/min). 3. Connecting one or two impactation reservoirs to the NSB jet nebulizer modified the mass distribution, which became significantly narrower for NSB2V when compared to the other two nebulizers. NSB2V presented a mass percentage with a diameter of 3 microns or less and a sufficient outflow for use in ventilation and pulmonary permeability studies. 4. Comparison of the mass collected in the cascade impactor and the total mass generated by the NSB, NSB1V and NSB2V nebulizers showed, on average, 4.5 efficiency in radioaerosol generation with a diameter of less than 16 microns and 3.2 efficiency for a diameter of 3 microns or less.

[Radiometric survey during hemodynamic studies with "Siemens Angioskop D" equipment]. / Levantamento radiométrico em estudos hemodinâmicos com equipamento "Siemens Angioskop D".

PURPOSE: To provide data for professional specialized in these subjects, contributing to minimize their exposure radiation dosage. METHODS: We made a radiometric survey using a ionization chamber to check the exposure rate in several places in the examination's room to different operational conditions of X-ray equipment. RESULTS: The operational conditions on which we have gotten the highest scatter X-ray rate were: image intensifier with 17cm of diameter for left anterior oblique projection (45 degrees) and image intensifier with 27cm of diameter for perpendicular beam to the patient (0 degrees). During fluoroscopy and cinefilm mode we have got average reduction of 40% for scatter X-ray using the image intensifier of 27 cm of diameter. During the cinefilm the dose rates were 23 times bigger than the dose rate in fluoroscopy mode. CONCLUSION: An analysis of results show that the choice of X-ray entrance angle as well as the diameter of image's intensifier during the cinefilm and fluoroscopy mode change significantly the occupational exposure dosages. Considering that in this kind of procedure, physicians and assistants spent long time close to the patient, they should have special concern to observe the technical condition more appropriate as well as to make use of all protection devices to minimize the personnel dosage.

[Evaluation of the X-ray exposure dosage during coronary cineangiography]. / Avaliação da dose de exposição aos raios-X durante cineangiocoronariografia.

PURPOSE: To study the radiation doses during cardiac catheterization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thermoluminescents dosimeters were placed over a phantom's cardiac area, measuring both entrance and exit of the X-ray beam to check the absorbed dose. We could measure the doses in the examiner with dosimeters in frontal and hand's back regions. RESULTS: The average rate of exposure in the cinefilmstep increases in the 5.2 times the average rate measured in the fluoroscopy mode. The dose absorbed by the patient was of 114 mGy during a total of 20 min X-ray exposure time (e.g. 15 min of fluoroscopy and 1 min of film). Compared to the results obtained with the phantom's dose we have found a relative error of 20. Under the same exposure time we wave found a 0.68 mSv dose in the examiner's hands and a 0.40 mSv dose in his eyes. CONCLUSION: In this kind of procedure the examiner should have special concern as to observe the appropriate technical conditions besides having to make use of individual protection devices to minimize the radiation doses on his own behalf and behalf of his patient.

[Bean and rice mixtures of high protein value (author's transl)]. / Misturas de feijão e arroz de alto valor protéico.

The optimum content of different rice (Oryza sativa) and bean (Vigna unguiculata L.) combinations was studied in Albino rats. The mixture containing 3 g of rice proteins, corresponding to 41g of rice "in natura", and 7 g of bean protein, corresponding to 59 g of bean "in natura", presented the highest protein efficiency ratio and the feed efficiency ratio. Since the limiting amino acid of this mixture was methionine, new assays using varying levels of this amino acid as a supplement were carried out. The PER of normal rats as well as the "plateau" value of previously protein depleted rats were highest when 0.2% methionine was added to the mixture. The net protein utilization (NPU) confirmed these findings. The values attained after the addition of other amino acids were not higher than those attained by the mixture containing 7 g of bean protein and 3 g of rice protein supplemented with 0.2% methionine. The PER and the NPU values came close to those of milk.

[Nutritive value of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annus) (author's transl)]. / Valor nutritivo da torta da semente de girassol (Helianthus annus).

The nutritive value of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annus) was studied and compared to that of casein. Thirty-six male rats, Wistar strain, aged 23 days, were divided into two groups and fed (a) a sunflower cake meal diet, and (b) a casein diet. The results indicate that due to its high protein level (52.06%) and coefficient of digestibility (95 CD) sunflower can be used as a feeding formula although its PER does not recommend its use as a milk substitute.

[Influence of nutrition on hormone secretion. II. Study in Ribeirão, Pernambuco, Brazil (author's transl)]. / Influência da nutrição sobre a secreção hormonal. II Estudo em Ribeirão, Pernambuco, Brasil

1. Ten children from Ribeirão of both sexes, aged 1 to 6 years, suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree malnutrition were studied. The mean circulating growth hormone levels were significantly higher in both groups before dietary therapy, but the highest values were found in children with 3rd degree malnutrition. It was demonstrated that serum growth hormone levels were significantly related to the severity of malnutrition. A positive correlation was found between the nutritional status and the growth hormone levels. 2. The mean circulating insulin levels were lower before dietary therapy, but a significant correlation was not noted between the nutritional status and the insulin levels. 3. After the dietary therapy the hormone levels progressively returned to normal. These children showed a better recovery than those of the previous study, Agua Preta. This observation may be due to the active participation of the mothers in the nutritional recuperation of their children.