CALIBRATION OF A WHOLE BODY COUNTER FOR 241Am WITH THE LLNL CHEST PHANTOM.

An occupational incorporation event occurred at the Radioactive Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility in December 2013 at Püspökszilágy, Hungary. Internal contamination due to (241)Am was discovered by a regular routine whole body counting measurement at the Centre for Energy Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences. After that, a whole body counter was calibrated for an organ counting geometry. For preliminary calibration, a home-made MIX-D chest phantom was applied simulating uniform lung activity distribution by (241)Am point sources located in different positions within the lung volume of the phantom. In order to carry out a more precise calibration, a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) chest phantom was provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency. For counting efficiency over the lungs, values of 0.46±0.19 and 0.55±0.07 cps kBq(-1) were obtained for the MIX-D and the LLNL phantom, respectively; thus, the results are in good agreement.

[Model of abutment screw fixation for single tooth implantation]. / Implantációs múcsonk rögzítésbiztosításának modellje.

An experimental model was constructed to test the abutment screw fixation for two Hungarian implant systems. First, abutments were tightened to 22.4 Ncm and after 4.25 hour loosening torques varied between 13.8-20.9 Ncm. Secondly, premolar-form crowns were casted and cemented on abutment-implant assemblies and cyclic load between 20-60 N was applied. 3.8-18.3 Ncm of loosening torques were measured. Four abutments of nine test assemblies were completely loosened and the cement fixation of one crown was destroyed. It was concluded that the test procedure and the model of crown-abutment-implant assemblies had given a reproducible technique to record changes in torques during a dynamic load.

[Bonding strength and fracture resistance of artificial teeth in dental prostheses]. / Protézismüfogak szakítószilárdsága.

Debonding of plastic teeth from its denture base has been frequently experienced in our prosthetic practice. Three of nine products investigated have fulfilled the requirements for bonding according to ISO test 3336. Loading forces necessary to produce fractures varied between 170-810 N within the tooth and 80-230 N at the tooth-denture base interface. Comparative significances were noted for the mean breaking force against fracture and debonding when comparing the resistance of "Acry Rock" to the other eight materials tested. Maximizing the extension of the polymerization surface through a larger surface area of individual teeth seemed to be a significant factor in the determination of the debonding force necessary to produce fracturing.

[The role of the hepatitis B, C and D viruses in the etiology of chronic hepatopathies in Cluj]. / Rolul virusurilor hepatitice B, C si D in etiologia hepatopatiilor cronice din Cluj.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the prevalence of viral hepatitis B, C and D markers in chronic hepatopathies from Cluj. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sera of 297 patients with chronic hepatopathies (236 adults and 61 children) have been tested for viral hepatitis markers: HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HDV, anti-HCV, by automated ELISA. RESULTS: HBV infection markers in 32% (adults) and 4.9% (children), and HDV infection markers in 11.8% (adults) and 26.3% (children). Double (HBV and HCV) and triple infection (HBV, HDV and HCV) were observed in 28.4% (adults), 4.9% (children), and 3.4% (adults), 0% (children), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis virus infection markers, especially HBV and HCV play an important role in the determinism of chronic hepatopathies from Cluj area, both in children and adults.

Effect of cyclophosphamide in active nonviral cirrhosis.

The immunologic effects of cyclophosphamide were studied in 16 patients with active nonviral liver cirrhosis with a view to improving the pathogenetic treatment of these diseases. After months of cyclophosphamide administration first in doses of 100 mg/day (for 14 days) then in doses of 200 mg per week, the hypergammaglobulinemia present at entry was reduced significantly from 2.55 +/- 0.35 g/dl to 1.71 +/- 0.17 g/dl concomitantly with the proportional increase of the active suppressor T lymphocytes, from 29.3 +/- 3.59% to 38.0 +/- 2.1%. The use of smaller doses of cyclophosphamide, i.e., 200 mg/week, allowed the maintenance of its immunosuppressive properties and prevented its side effects.

The clearance of colloidal particles by Kupffer cells in collagen disease.

The Kupffer cells clearance of colloidal 198Au particles with a diameter of 200-300 A was estimated in 14 subjects with different collagen diseases: 7 without previous treatment and 7 under immunodepressive treatment compared to 10 controls. No difference between the subjects with collagen disease and controls was observed. The group with collagen disease under immunodepressive treatment has lower Kupffer cells clearance for colloidal gold particles than non-treated patients, without statistical significance.

Histologic changes in the guinea pig gastrointestinal tract following 1 weeks' administration of chlorpromazine, haloperidol or atropine.

A comparison was made between the toxic effects of chronic chlorpromazine, haloperidol or atropine on the guinea pig intestinal tract. Chlorpromazine, administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day, IP for 7 days, produced marked pathologic changes in the guinea pig cecum, consisting of inflammation, edema and hemorrhage. None of these effects were noted when haloperidol, 2 or 10 mg/kg/day or atropine 30 mg/kg/day were similarly administered. Similar toxic effects may occur in humans on long-term chlorpromazine or other phenothiazine therapy, thereby accounting for the paralytic ileus observed with these drugs.

Significance of serum aminograms in diagnosis and prognosis of liver diseases.

The diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various liver diseases are still frequently equivocal despite the various liver function tests and invasive procedures presently available to the clinician. The introduction of the Beckman Amino Acid Analyzer Model 119 Cl, greatly facilitated the determination of the individual amino acids in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and the data thus obtained seem to help in the differentiation of some of the commoner types of liver disease. These data indicate that changes in the concentration of some of the aromatic amino acids (AAA) and branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are helpful in the diagnosis, evaluation of the severity of the hepatic morphologic changes, and prognosis of the type of liver disease. Moreover, the ratio between the AAA and the BCAA seems to be indicative of certain liver diseases. We describe the alterations in the amino acid patterns which may help in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with certain types of liver disease.

Histologic grading of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands.

Seventy-nine patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in salivary glands were studied to determine whether a correlation existed between the morphologic features of the tumor and the prognosis. Three histologic grades were established: Grade I, tumors with tubular and cribriform areas but without solid components; Grade II, cribriform tumors that were either pure or mixed with less than 30% of solid areas; and Grade III, tumors with a predominantly solid pattern. Cumulative survival rates at 15 years were 39%, 26%, and 5%, for Grades I, II, and III, respectively. Grade III tumors were larger, recurred frequently, and killed the patients within 4 years. Grade I lesions were smaller, were amenable to complete surgical excision, and had a protracted clinical course. Grade II tumors lay between the other two forms both clinically and pathologically. Other important prognostic features of the adenoid cystic carcinoma were its primary site, its presence or absence at surgical margins, and the anatomic structures it involved.

Congestive heart failure as cause of fulminant hepatic failure.

In this patient with long-standing cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure the syndrome of fulminant hepatic failure developed on two occasions; he recovered both times. There was no evidence of viral or toxic hepatitis as a cause of his liver failure. We conclude that in this case, aggravation of long-standing congestive heart failure may have led to severe hepatocellular necrosis with signs of encephalopathy not commonly observed.

Immunoglobulins in submassive hepatic necrosis.

The presence of submassive hepatic necrosis in acute liver injury of viral or toxic etiology in liver biopsy specimens is of great diagnostic and prognostic significance. Liver biopsy, however, cannot be performed in some of these patients due to an abnormal coagulation profile. Hence, other noninvasive methods for diagnosis of submassive hepatic necrosis would be helpful. We compared the serum immunoglobulin-G levels in 15 patients with typical acute viral hepatitis and 19 patients with severe acute viral hepatitis with submassive hepatic necrosis. The difference of the Ig-G levels in both groups was statistically significant. By using discriminant analysis we found that it was possible to make the correct diagnosis of submassive hepatic necrosis in 89.5% of patients with acute viral hepatitis when only Ig-G levels were utilized.

Myelography wiht perfluoroctylbromide. Comparison with Pantopaque.

The efficacy and toxicity of perfluoroctylbromide in myelography were studied in dogs. Perfluoroctylbromide moves freely in intrathecal space and provides satisfactory radiopacity for diagnosis of subarachnoid structures. The outstanding feature of this substance is its low toxicity. The dog tolerates 0.5-1.0 ml/kg intrathecally without toxic manifestation. Histological studies and CSF analyses show that it is much less irriating than Pantopaque. Because of the long retention of the perfluorocarbon removal may be necessary. Perfluoroctylbromide shows promise as a diagnostic contrast medium, particularly in cases where the currently available contrast media are not suitable.

Cholestasis associated with administration of L-amino acids and dextrose solutions.

Infants of very low birth weight who require prolonged assisted ventilation are unable to tolerate oral feedings. To provide and maintain nutrition in these infants, a modified form of parenteral nutrition (dextrose 10% and crystalline L-amino acids, 1.7-3.4 g%) is used in our nursery. Intrahepatic cholestasis was diagnosed at autopsy in four infants who received modified peripheral alimentation and in a fifth infant who received total parenteral alimentation (dextrose 20%, L-amino acids 3.8 g%) via a central venous catheter. These infants weighed less than 1,250 g at birth (range 943-1,247 g) and were appropriate for gestational age. They required assisted ventilation for over 2 weeks. Three infants did not receive any oral feedings. L-Amino acids were given for a mean of 36.8 +/- 10 days (range, 22-76 days). The diagnosis of cholestasis was suspected clinically in only one infant, in whom persistent elevation of direct bilirubin was detected at 4 weeks of age. Pathologic findings in four infants included the presence of bile casts in bile canaliculi and, in one case, in ductules and canaliculi. Liver architecture was well preserved. Inflammatory infiltrate in the portal tract was either absent or minimal, consisting of lymphocytes, and only in one of five cases a few eosinophils. Cholestasis may be regarded as a possible complication of parenteral alimentation even if the fluids are modified and given peripherally. High direct bilirubinemia may be the earliest clinical manifestation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: relation to alcohol, HB-antigen and alpha-fetoprotein.

Thirteen of 16 patients with primary cancer of the liver were heavy alcoholics. Fifty per cent of them had positive alpha-fetoprotein and 25% had HB-Ag in their blood. The association of alcoholism with cancer of the liver is thus very striking and hence alcohol should be proclaimed as a carcinogenic substance.