Ascorbate-induced cancellation of nitroxide contrast media enhancement of MR images

Ascorbate (Vitamin C), a naturally occurring reducing substance, was tested as an in vivo chemical agent to cancel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tissue contrast enhancement induced by a nitroxide spin label contrast agent. Paramagnetic nitroxide compounds can be reduced in vitro by ascorbate to nonparamagnetic hydroxylamine derivatives. A nitroxide agent, TES, was injected intravenously, 2 mmol/kg, in 11 anesthetized rats. Renal cortical and hepatic intensities were monitored by serial T1-weighted images (TR/TE 310/15) acquired precontrast and postcontrast. Fourteen minutes after TES administration, ascorbate (1 mmol/kg) was injected in 6 rats, and saline in 5 control rats. At twenty-nine minutes postcontrast, a second TES-injection was given to all rats. The initial TES-injection resulted in a marked enhancement of kidney cortex and liver. Ascorbate administration immediately cancelled this enhancement. Contrast enhancement could be successfully reinduced by a repeat administration of TES. Results indicate that in vivo administration of reducing agents can be used to immediately cancel enhancement induced by nitroxide contrast media, thus nonenhanced images could be obtained after enhanced images without lengthy delays for contrast media elimination.

Contrast-enhanced MRI of tumors. Comparison of Gd-DTPA and a macromolecular agent

The study aim was to define potential differences and advantages in magnetic resonance (MR) patterns of tumoral contrast enhancement using either a small molecular, extracellular fluid contrast enhancer [Gd-DTPA] or a macromolecular agent [albumin-(Gd-DTPA)20], designed for primary intravascular biodistribution. MR images of 25 mice with implanted fibrosarcomas were obtained before and repeatedly for up to 120 minutes after injection of either Gd-DTPA [0.2 mmol/kg, n = 11] or albumin-(Gd-DTPA) [0.0029 mmol/kg, n = 14]. Histologically, this hypovascular tumor contained zones of viable tissue and non-viable, necrotic tissue. Using either type of contrast media, the viable portions enhanced strongly, up to 152% and the necrotic portions enhanced poorly, less than 31%. However, the time-course of enhancement differed between contrast agents. Gd-DTPA tended to provide maximal enhancement soon after administration with no significant changes over two hours. Enhancement from albumin-(Gd-DTPA) was weak initially, corresponding to tumor hypovascularity, but over two hours the signal of the viable tumor zones progressively increased in intensity. This gradual tumoral accumulation of the macromolecular agent within the tumor was considered to reflect abnormal capillary permeability, associated with neovascularity. Thus, the increasing intensity within the neoplastic tissues over time, reflecting abnormal capillary permeability for macromolecules, may serve as a useful, albeit indirect, marker of neoplasia.

Vascular mapping using albumin-(Gd-DTPA), an intravascular MR contrast agent, and projection MR imaging

An intravascular magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent is valuable for vascular mapping of tissues when used in combination with projection spin-echo MR imaging. The primary advantage of using projection imaging lies in its global depiction of anatomy. Also, relatively short echo time values can be readily achieved, reducing flow dephasing signal losses from blood and increasing overall signal-to-noise. These advantages, coupled with the reduction of blood pool T1 values due to the presence of the intravascular contrast agent, allow for detailed spatial mapping of slow-flow vascular structures using MR.

Hepatic metastases: rat models for imaging research

Improved rat liver tumor models with solitary or multiple metastatic tumors were developed for radiological imaging research. Unlike previous studies which employed trocar inoculation of tumor fragments, an enzymatically disaggregated cell suspension of mammary cancer was injected by fine needle either directly into the liver to produce solitary cancer nodules, or indirectly via the spleen or mesenteric vein to produce multiple liver metastases. Tumor size was proportional to the time elapsed after implantation. The operative mortality of direct liver, splenic parenchymal, and mesenteric inoculations were 8%, 4%, and 27%, respectively. MR tissue characteristics, image contrast, and pharmaceutical enhancement of these tumors closely resembles human hepatic metastases. The availability of reproducible, inexpensive animal models of metastatic cancer allows efficient evaluation of new liver imaging techniques.

Stereoscopic MR imaging

The visual fusion of two projection or slice-selective magnetic resonance (MR) images taken at two oblique angles imparts three-dimensional (3D) information within the projection or slice. This approach to 3D MR is rapid and straightforward, requiring only two oblique images and, at most, only a simple optical stereoscope for viewing. Stereoscopic images of the vascular system of a rat were obtained using the intravascular contrast agent albumin-(Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid). Stereoscopic images of the human head showing CSF distribution were acquired using a long echo time sequence. These images illustrate the potential clinical applications of this technique.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide: pharmacokinetics and toxicity

The pharmacokinetics (distribution, metabolism, bioavailability, excretion) and toxicity (acute and subacute toxicity, mutagenicity) of a superparamagnetic iron oxide preparation (AMI-25), currently used in clinical trials, were evaluated by 59Fe radiotracer studies, measurements of relaxation times, the ability to reverse iron deficiency anemia, histologic examination, and laboratory parameters. One hour after administration of AMI-25 to rats (18 mumol Fe/kg; 1 mg Fe/kg), 82.6 +/- 0.3% of the administered dose was sequestered in the liver and 6.2 +/- 7.6% in the spleen. Peak concentrations of 59Fe were found in liver after 2 hr and in the spleen after 4 hr. 59Fe slowly cleared from liver (half-life, 3 days) and spleen (half-life, 4 days) and was incorporated into hemoglobin of erythrocytes in a time-dependent fashion. The half-time of the T2 effect on liver and spleen (24-48 hr) was shorter than the 59Fe clearance, indicating metabolism of AMI-25 into other forms of iron. IV administration of AMI-25 (30 mg Fe/kg) corrected iron-deficiency anemia and showed bioavailability similar to that of commercially available IV iron preparations within 7 days. No acute or subacute toxic effects were detected by histologic or serologic studies in rats or beagle dogs who received a total of 3000 mumol Fe/kg, 150 times the dose proposed for MR imaging of the liver. Our results indicate that AMI-25 is a fully biocompatible potential contrast agent for MR.

Juvenile hypocalcemia provokes persistent electroencephalographic change in renally compromised rats

In view of the putative involvement of calcium in uremic encephalopathy and the critical importance of this element in juvenile development, we examined the effect of temporary restriction of dietary calcium intake on serum chemistry and the quantitative electroencephalogram (Q.EEG) in unilaterally 3/4 nephrectomized juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were renally infarcted at 22-26 days of age (50-74 g) and placed on one of two isocaloric dietary regimens: powdered normal rat diet (ND, n = 25) or low calcium diet (LCD, n = 8) for 30 days. At this time, ND animals showed normal serum chemistries, whereas LCD rats were hypocalcemic and azotemic with significantly elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine concentrations and reduced renal creatinine clearance values. All animals thereafter received ND for 25-34 further days, during which time chronic Q.EEG electrodes were implanted. At the end of the common ND feeding period, serum chemistry values were equal and normal in both groups. The average theta/alpha ratio (TAR) of the overnight Q.EEG was assessed for 3 days. We found that the TAR of previously LCD animals was significantly elevated compared with ND rats. This indicates an encephalopathic slowing of the background rhythm of these animals. We conclude that, following restoration of a transient uremic and hypocalcemic episode induced by LCD feeding, the Q.EEG background frequency of juvenile renally impaired rats was abnormally slow after 30 days of ND feeding.

Specific sequestering agents for the actinides. 16. Synthesis and initial biological testing of polydentate oxohydroxypyridinecarboxylate ligands

Chemical and biological similarities of plutonium(IV) and iron(III) suggested that octadentate ligands containing hydroxamate or catecholate functional groups, which are found in microbial iron chelating agents (siderophores), would be effective and relatively selective complexing agents for actinide(IV) ions. However, their usefulness for in vivo chelation of actinide(IV) is limited, because catechol and hydroxamate are such weak acids that the potential for octadentate binding of actinide(IV) cannot be achieved at physiological pH. The structurally similar monoprotic and more acidic 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone (1,2-HOPO) group was, therefore, incorporated into multidentate ligands. Treatment of 1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-oxopyridine-6-carboxylic acid (5) with phosgene in THF solution gives the active ester poly[1,2-dihydro-1,2-dioxopyridine-6-carboxylate], which upon treatment with excess anhydrous dimethylamine gave a 60% yield of N,N-dimethyl-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-oxopyridine-6-carboxamide (6). A similarly reactive intermediate was prepared from 5 and an equimolar amount of phosgene in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Combined in situ with 1,3-propanediamine, benzylamine, spermine, spermidine, 1,3,5-tris(aminomethyl)benzene, or desferrioxamine B and excess triethylamine, the latter intermediate gave the corresponding amides in isolated yields ranging from 16% to 60%. The free ligands, their Zn(II) complexes, and the ferric complex of 3,4,3-LIHOPO were administered to mice [30 mumol/kg intraperitoneally 1 h after Pu(IV)-238 citrate, kill at 24 h]. Net Pu removal [Pu excretion (treated)-PU excretion (control)], expressed as percent of injected Pu, was as follows: Na salts and Zn(II) complexes, respectively, of 3-LIHOPO (54, 56), 3,4-LIHOPO (58, 60), 3,4,3-LIHOPO (73, 76); Na salts of MEHOPO (46), DFO-HOPO (78); Fe(III) complex of 3,4,3-LIHOPO (79). DFO-HOPO and 3,4,3-LIHOPO and its Zn(II) and Fe(III) complexes promoted significantly more Pu excretion than CaNa3-DTPA (61% of injected Pu). Preliminary findings on the acute toxicity of the poly(HOPO) ligands and HOPO monomers are presented in an appendix. The biological data indicate strongly that the aqueous solubility and relatively high acidity of the octadentate HOPO ligands, 3,4,3-LIHOPO and DFO-HOPO allow them to form complete eight-coordinate complexes with Pu(IV) ion.

The expression of mature myeloid cell differentiation markers in acute leukemia

Cells from 82 patients with leukemia in acute phase (40 ANLL, 1 AUL, 36 ALL, 5 CGL in blast crisis) were studied for the expression of mature cell markers of the major nonlymphocytic cell lineages (monocytes, granulocytes, erythrocytes and platelets) using monoclonal antibodies. In addition, cells were examined for the presence of HLA-A, B, C antigens, Ia antigens and common ALL antigen, as well as Fc receptors capable of binding murine immunoglobulins. Approximately one-third of ANLL specimens lacked any of the mature-cell differentiation markers studied. These were always in the relatively undifferentiated morphological subgroups (M1 and M2). Some of the specimens in these groups also expressed little or no HLA-A, B, C and/or Ia antigen. Of the lineage-specific MAb, FMC32 and FMC34, which bind to monocytes, and monocytes plus granulocytes respectively, gave the most interesting results. Together with the anti-CALLA antibody J5, they contributed to the differential diagnosis of ANLL and ALL. In addition they detected phenotypic heterogeneity within the FAB types of ANLL, particularly the M1 and M2 groups. Binding of murine IgG2a and IgG3 antibodies, apparently via Fc receptors, was commonly observed with ANLL cells. This is a potentially serious source of "false positives" in studies using murine MAb with human leukemic cells.

Hepatobiliary magnetic resonance contrast agents assessed by gadolinium-153 scintigraphy

A simple method to test new gadolinium complexes potentially useful as enhancement agents for magnetic resonance imaging was developed. Healthy rats underwent scintigraphy with two potential hepatobiliary agents, diethyl IDA and diisopropyl IDA complexed with gadolinium-153. Control products included 153Gd DTPA, 153GdCl3 and technetium-99m diethyl IDA. As shown scintigraphically, 153Gd IDA complexes were partially excreted by urinary and hepatobiliary excretion early after administration. These findings paralleled significant reduction in 1H T1 values of excised livers. However, these agents exhibited prolonged 153Gd whole-body retention. The prolonged tissue distribution of 153Gd activity in animals given 153Gd diethyl IDA did not differ significantly from that observed in animals given GdCl3, and could be attributed to chemical instability or reticuloendothelial uptake. The scintigraphic method permits screening of gadolinium complexes in animals by showing mass balance, kinetics, distribution, and effective stability. Biologic effects of tracer or pharmacologic levels can be compared with those of carrier-free and carrier-added pharmaceuticals.

Delivering health care to the elderly. The development and validation testing of a typology of problems

This article reports on a project to identify and describe systematically problems encountered in providing health care to elderly veterans. A modified Delphi approach was used to survey a wide range of health professionals. A typology of problems was developed in Stage 1 of the Delphi. Problems represented by the typology were then rated by importance in Stage 2. Analysis of Stage 2 data indicates that the typology is conceptually sound. As such, it is a useful tool for describing problems and guiding future research.

Minimal incision techniques for digital deformities

We have presented basic minimal incision approaches to the more common digital deformities. We feel that with proper evaluation of the deformity and the patient, minimal incision surgery techniques give excellent long-term results with several advantages. These advantages include: Less discomfort due to less surgical dissection. Less need for internal fixation by careful use of compression dressings in the immediate postoperative period along with early ambulation. Less disability. Compression dressings allow immediate ambulation in normal footgear. In most instances, the patient is able to return to work sooner and with less discomfort. Better patient acceptance. Procedures may be performed under local anesthesia in the office environment and the patient may usually return to work in normal footgear within 1 to 3 days. Cost containment. Not all digital deformities may be addressed through a minimal incision approach. Internal fixation, multiple procedures with special postoperative shoes, syndactylisms, fusions, transpositional osteotomies, and skin plasties may be necessary in more severe conditions. However, it is equally important to point out that not all digital deformities must be approached in the "traditional" manner, employing large incisions with deep structure dissection, retraction, and visualization. It is up to the podiatric surgeon to develop his skills, and, after carefully evaluating the abnormality, the patient, and his goals, to perform the surgical procedure that will result in the best long-term results with the minimal amount of discomfort, disability, and cost to the patient.

The asymmetric transmembrane distribution of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and fatty acids of the bovine retinal rod outer segment disk membrane

The transmembrane distribution of the major aminophospholipids in the bovine retinal rod outer segment disk membrane, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine, was determined using a novel pair of permeable and impermeable covalent modification reagents. The values for the percentages of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine in the outer monolayer were calculated from a simple expression which takes into account the leakage of impermeable reagent into the disk lumen as monitored by the extent of labeling of lysine entrapped in the lumen. We infer from our results that at least 73 to 87% of the disk phosphatidylethanolamine and 77 to 88% of the disk phosphatidylserine are in the outer disk membrane monolayer. The fatty acid composition of the inner aminophospholipids is slightly more saturated than the outer aminophospholipids. Calculations using the lateral surface areas occupied by the disk membrane lipids suggest that 65 to 100% of the disk phosphatidylcholine is on the inner membrane surface. Since the disk phosphatidylcholine is also somewhat more saturated than the phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine of the outer monolayer, the total inner membrane monolayer fatty acid composition is more saturated than that of the outer monolayer fatty acid composition.

Teaching Typewriter Keyboard Layout

Describes a simple way to familiarize blind students with the layout of a typewriter keyboard: Brailled letters of the alphabet were Thermoformed and glued to ¾ “-square ceramic tiles that had a Velcro backing. The tiles could be in turn positioned along strips of Velcro to simulate the position of typewriter keys. Once students had gained familiarity with this layout, their knowledge was tested by having them detect which tiles were missing or incorrectly positioned.

Covalent modification of rhodopsin with imidoesters: evidence for transmembrane arragnement of rhodopsin in rod outer segment disk membranes

The transmembrane disposition of the visual pigment rhodopsin was studied by the covalent labeling of protein amino groups with membrane-permeable and -impermeable imidoesters. A new, highly reactive permeable reagent, 2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl acetimidate (SAI) was developed for this purpose. The permeabilities of both this compound and the "impermeable" reagent isethionyl acetimidate (IAI) across the rod outer segment disk membrane were directly measured. Our results indicate that rhodopsin contains three classes of amino groups. One class (35--55% of the total) reacts rapidly with the membrane-impermeable reagent and is presumably exposed on the outside surface of the membrane. A second class (35--55% of the total) is located on the internal surface of the disk since its rate of reaction is dependent on the relative permeabilities of the labeling reagents. The remaining 10% of the rhodopsin amino groups are inaccessible to either type of imidate and are largely accounted for by the single lysine residue which specifically binds the chromophore retinal. These findings, taken together with evidence from freeze--fracture electron microscopy, imply that rhodopsin is a transmembrane protein.

A chemical mechanism for tissue staining by osmium tetroxide-ferrocyanide mixtures

The presence of Fe(CN)6(-4) provides sequential, one-electron reduction pathways for OSO4. An equilibrium is established containing OSO4, Fe(CN)6(-4), Fe(CN)6(-3), OSO2(OH)4(-4), and labile cyano-bridged OS-Fe species containing Os in nominal oxidation states of VIII, VII, and VI. These osmium complexes are chelated by appropriately placed donor atoms in the macromolecular tissue matrix, and chelation facilitates the reduction of osmium in situ to lower oxidation states (predominantly IV) that are relatively nonlabile. The greater reactivity and concentration of the Os(VII and VI) intermediates in this system leads to more Os deposition than OsO4 alone; the chelation is responsible for the immobilization of Os and the observed staining pattern in electron micrographs. Chemical data from model systems and electron micrographs of tissue are presented in support of this mechanism.

Disaturated and dipolyunsaturated phospholipids in the bovine retinal rod outer segment disk membrane

Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate the major phospholipid headgroup classes of the rod outer segment disk membrane into subfractions which differ markedly in fatty acid composition. At least 18% of the rod outer segment phosphatidylcholine must contain two saturated fatty acids. Furthermore, two unsaturated fatty acids are found in at least 43% of the phosphatidylserine, 24% of the phosphatidylcholine, and 24% of the phosphatidylethanolamine. The unsaturated acids are predominantly polyunsaturated in all cases. A similar separation, but with less resolution, was achieved with silicic acid column chromatography. The temperature dependence of the polarization of the fluorescence of trans-parinaric acid (9,11,13,15-all-trans-octadecatetraenoic acid) showed that the thermal behavior of aqueous dispersions of the phosphatidylcholine subfractions was consistent with their fatty acid compositions.

The chemical nature of osmium tetroxide fixation and staining of membranes by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine the oxidation states of osmium compounds present in erythrocyte ghost preparations and related systems treated with osmium tetroxide. Osmium tetroxide and cholesterol, codeposited at -100 degrees C, began to react at -70 degrees C, and Os(VI) was formed. Similarly, Os(VI) was detected for the known cholesterol-osmate ester prepared and purified chemically. However, osmium tetroxide applied in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) gave rise to large proportions of Os(IV) and Os(III) species in addition to Os(VI) compounds. Egg phosphatidylcholine likewise produced a mixture of Os(VI), Os(IV), and Os(III), but dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine failed to give significant amounts of osmium containing products under identical conditions. Glutaraldehyde gave a mixture of compounds with the same osmium oxidation states when allowed to react with aqueous osmium tetroxide. Unfixed and glutaraldehyde-fixed erythrocyte ghosts also produced mixtures of Ss(VI), Os(IV) and Os(III) under conditions identical to those of normal tissue processing. Additionally, the mixture of adducts initially formed by treatment with osmium tetroxide was further reduced by dehydration of the tissue with ethanol, rpesulting in a final mixture which was 50-60% Os(III). The results support a scheme for the reaction os osmium tetroxide with tissues in which the initial reaction site is the double bonds of unsaturated lipids to form Os(VI) derivatives. Subsequent hydrolysis and further reduction yield complexes of Os(IV) and Os(III). A mixture of these three states is present in membrane specimens during microscopic observation. Os(VI) and Os(IV) could be present as osmate esters and osmium dioxide, respectively; Os(III) could be present as an oxo- or amino complex(es). The photoelectron spectrum of intact erythrocyte ghosts can be synthesized from the spectra of phospholipid and cholesterol only, suggesting the predominance of the reaction with lipids in the fixation process.

Coded multiple exposure holograms

Experiments have been performed in which 1000 holograms have been superimposed one upon the other in the same area of photographic emulsion. Each hologram was formed with a uniquely coded reference beam allowing reconstruction of only one of the superimposed holograms while the unaddressed holograms contribute incoherent noise. Signal-to-noise ratios are calculated and measured as a function of the number of superimposed exposures. For the 1000-exposure hologram, the observed signal-to-noise ratio for any one of the individual holograms was 10 dB.