bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super-rapid Hydrothermal Synthesis of Highly Crystalline and Water-soluble Magnetite Nanoparticles Using a Microreactor
Authors: Sue Kiwamu , Hattori Hayato , Sato Toshiyuki , Komoriya Tomoe , Kawai-Nakamura Akiko , Tanaka Satoshi , Hiaki Toshihiko , Kawasaki Shin-ichiro , Takebayashi Yoshihiro , Yoda Satoshi , Furuya Takeshi
Published: July 2009

Highly crystalline and water-soluble magnetite nanoparticles having an average diameter of 6.5 nm were synthesized from aqueous FeCl3 + KOH solution by a flow-through hydrothermal method with a microreactor at 673 K and 30 MPa during residence time of 2×10−3 s. l-Ascorbic acid was used as a modifier and a reductant.
Magnetically Separable Core–Shell-structured γ-Fe2O3–SiO2 Catalyst with High Activity and Selectivity for Oxidizing Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde
Authors: Lang Leiming , Li Baojun , Liu Wei , Li Xun , Xu Zheng
Published: July 2009

Uniform core–shell-structured γ-Fe2O3–mesoporous silica spheres (F-MSS) catalyst was prepared by hydrolyzing TEOS in the presence of CTAB. The structure, shape, formation mechanism, and catalytic performance of F-MSS catalyst were investigated. The results showed that F-MSS catalyst had high BET surface area, excellent catalytic activity and selectivity for oxidizing benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. The F-MSS catalyst can be reused three times at least and has potential application in industry in the place of noble metal.
Book reviews
Authors: Hall K.
Published: July 2009

Professor Bonneville and his colleagues from Besançon and Strasbourg have produced this very good, though apparently rather specialized, text on computed tomography (CT) of the pituitary region. This work is based on some 2300 pituitary CT scans carried out over 6 years, hence they have a great deal of expertise to call upon.
Unilobar enlargement of normal thymus gland causing mass effect
Authors: Thomas N. B. , Gupta S. C.
Published: July 2009

The normal thymus varies greatly in size and shape in the infant. It is generally believed that the normal thymus, even when large, does not cause respiratory distress or produce pressure effects on adjacent structures (Swischuk, 1980; Silverman, 1985). We report on a male infant under 2 years of age who presented with a left-sided mediastinal mass on the chest radiographs. The mass displayed evidence of producing pressure effects on normal surrounding structures. Subsequent histology of the tissue removed at thoracotomy revealed unilobar enlargement of the normal thymus gland.

Following a normal delivery, a male child was initially admitted to hospital at the age of 7 weeks with an episode of viral gastroenteritis. He was noted to be anaemic and to have decreased air entry into the left chest. No cause was found for the anaemia and the patient was discharged. He was readmitted to hospital on three further occasions, twice with minor upper respiratory tract infections and on the thirdoccasion with bronchiolitis.
Sonomammography in benign breast disease
Authors: Guyer P. B. , Dewbury K. C.
Published: July 2009

An assessment is made of direct-contact B-scan sonomammography in 480 patients with clinically benign breast disease, of whom 121 underwent biopsy. In eight patients, ultrasound was normal when histology showed diffuse benign disease, and in four patients, ultrasound gave a benign result when histology showed malignancy. In 25 patients, attenuating shadow led to biopsy for a false positive diagnosis of carcinoma. Ultrasound can be used to avert unnecessary biopsy either by excluding a focal mass or by revealing clinically unsuspected malignancy when X-ray mammography shows moderate or marked density in patients complaining of a breast lump or nodularity.
The effect of radiation on the growth of normal and malignant human oesophageal explant cultures pre-treated with bleomycin
Authors: Seymour C. B. , Mothersill C. , Cusack A. , Hennessy T. P.
Published: July 2009

Since all known chemotherapy and radiation treatments affect normal cells to a certain extent, the establishment of favourable differential sensitivities is fundamental to the success of treatment with a particular agent. This type of information can be gained by animal testing and using cultured cells, but ultimately use of the agent in the patient is the only way to determine the response. We have developed a model for testing the response of oesophageal explants from tumour and surrounding normal tissue in the same patient to chemotherapy and radiation, both singly and in combination. The test allows treatment combinations, time and order of administration of agents to the tissue to be accurately controlled. Cytotoxicity, determined by measuring the area of outgrowth from an explant 2 weeks after plating, is the most useful short-term end-point, although many others are possible. Results showing the differential cytotoxicity of bleomycin with and without radiation in squamous and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and surrounding normal tissue from the same patient indicate that tumour cells are relatively resistant to radiation alone, that low levels of bleomycin with or without radiation preferentially spare tumour cells and that high levels, in combination with any dose of radiation tested, but not without radiation, spare the normal cells and give a significantly high amount of relative tumour cell kill. Bleomycin must be added to the cells just before or just after irradiation to obtain the normal-tissue sparing effect. The technique may be a useful method for indicating the best approaches to the optimization of combined therapy regimes.
Visualization of the plantar arch by aortography: technique and value
Authors: Thomas M. Lea , Tanqueray A. B. , Burnand K. G.
Published: July 2009

Arteriograms of the feet in 100 consecutive, routine aortograms in patients with leg ischaemia were analysed to assess the frequency with which the plantar arch was visualized. The technique used involved a long injection time, a large volume of contrast medium and slow filming. The plantar arch was demonstrated in 75% of feet, shown to be occluded in 12% and not demonstrated for technical reasons in 13%. The importance of the integrity or otherwise of the plantar arch is emphasized in assessing patients for distal bypass grafts. It is recommended that an attempt be made to demonstrate the plantar arch in all patients undergoing aortography for ischaemia of the legs.
Book reviews
Authors: Gleeson J. A.
Published: July 2009

The title is slightly misleading in that this textbook is concerned not only with the radiology of the acute abdomen but with a considerable wealth of information about conditions as diverse as peliosis hepatis and cholesteatoma of the uroepithelium.
Book reviews
Authors: Simpkins K. C.
Published: July 2009

This is one of a series of handbooks of diagnostic imaging which, according to the series editor Dr R. L. Eisenberg, is aimed at the level of radiology residents preparing for their oral board examinations. There are one editor, 13 contributors, seven chapters and 274 pages.
Book reviews
Authors: Savage John R. K.
Published: July 2009

This is the proceedings of a symposium organized by the Institution of Nuclear Engineers in September 1986 to bring some of the new ideas and practice of quantitative methods in radiation protection before representatives of the nuclear industry.

In 1977 the ICRP formally introduced the system of dose limitation, based on the concept of optimization, to achieve the desired balance between the doses of radiation received and the economic and other factors involved in decision making— ALARA— “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”.
Erectile dysfunction secondary to penile trauma: the value of cavernosography
Authors: Reed D. H. , Britton P. D.
Published: July 2009

Injuries to the penis are rare (Gross et al, 1977). Most injuries involve acute rupture to the corpora cavernosa and one-third of these occur during sexual activity (Hudson, 1975). This injury is usually easy to diagnose from the classical history of forcible bending of the erect penis, causing the sudden onset of severe pain, swelling and detumescence. Physical examination reveals obvious bruising, oedema and sometimes deformity. Cavernosography has been used to visualize the site of laceration in the fibrous tunica albuginea around the erectile tissue (Grossman et al, 1982).

However, trauma to the penis may not present with the classical features of tunical disruption. We describe two cases in which injury led to chronic erectile dysfunction. Cavernosography was of value in the management of both patients.

A 26-year-old man presented with an 18-month history of a painful left testis and a sensation of numbness of the glans penis. He also described a failure to maintain erection of the distal part of the penis. These symptoms were related to a coital injury, the details of which were not forthcoming. However, there had been no acute episode of pain or swelling after the trauma. Physical examination was normal. A cavernosogram revealed normal corpora cavernosa but demonstrated a number of small veins communicating anteriorly with the glans (Fig. 1).
The changing mediastinum
Authors: Reed D. H. , Morgan S.
Published: July 2009

A 73-year-old man presented with cough and shortness of breath. He was a non-smoker and had no history of previous respiratory problems. Twelve months previously a right occipital lobectomy was performed for a Grade IV astrocytoma. At that time his chest radiograph was normal (Fig. 1). He had received a post-operative course of cranial irradiation and dexamethasone 2 mg twice daily was commenced. On examination his chest was clear. In view of his symptoms a chest radiograph was requested (Figs 2, 3). What do the radiographs show and what is the differential diagnosis? How can the problem be resolved?

In retrospect, the original radiograph of the chest still appears to be normal. The recent chest radiograph shows mediastinal widening with a large right paratracheal soft-tissue mass. There are prominent epicardial fat pads. The lateral radiograph shows a subcutaneous soft-tissue mass posterior to the upper thoracic spine and a crush fracture of a lower dorsal vertebra.

The differential diagnosis of the smoth mediastinal widening should include: widespread lymphadenopathy, mediastinal haemorrhage, mediastinitis, and excess fat deposition. The history of high-dose glucocorticoid administration, the presence of epicardial fat, the “buffalo hump”, collapsed vertebrae and the absence of a discreet mediastinal mass on the lateral radiograph would lead one to suspect mediastinal lipomatosis secondary to steroid therapy.
Bone scintigraphy in parasymphyseal insufficiency fractures
Authors: Davies Mark
Published: July 2009

Alternative imaging projections of the pubis with bone scintigraphy in patients with a parasymphyseal insufficiency fracture have been previously advocated (B. A. Siegel, cited by Staple, 1984).
A method of weighing an obese, trolley-bound patient
Authors: Chalmers Nicholas , Best Jonathan
Published: July 2009

The use of computed tomography (CT) for examining acute head trauma is now universally accepted. With the replacement of dedicated head scanners by general purpose CT systems, CT is becoming used increasingly to examine spinal and pelvic trauma. This developing practice, together with the use of carbon fibre and cantilever geometry for table design, may lead to the unwitting overloading of CT table tops. The International Safety Standard, IEC Clause 601–1, requires that the table top supports 135 kg (21 st 3 lb). Many manufacturers use this figure as the weight limit for the stated performanceof their systems.
Breathing conditions for animals in radiobiological experiments
Authors: Stevens G. N. , Michael B. D.
Published: July 2009

We wish to bring attention to difficulties that can arise in ensuring adequate ventilation of animals during experimental irradiation. In the course of experiments designed to determine the influence of redox agents on the radiosensitivity of murine normal tissues, an unexpected scatter of data points relating to jejunal crypt regeneration was found in mice irradiated under supposedly air-breathing conditions. For these irradiations, unanaesthetized CBA female mice (20–25 g) were restrained in Perspex box jigs, 8.8 cm × 2.3 cm × 1.7 cm internal dimensions, which had five 3-mm diameter ventilation holes in front of the heads of the mice.
Book reviews
Authors: Finlay D.
Published: July 2009

This is an interesting book and it contains a large amount of information. Experience and examples are drawn both from Israel and the United States, which is the reason why the book is largely about CT scanning. Each chapter is well set out and contains information about the anatomy and applied physiology of the area under examination. The pathogenesis of the injury together with the significant clinical findings are considered. The investigations for each injury and the findings are then described, including plain radiographs, ultrasound, scintigraphy, contrast studies and CT scanning. The relative merits of the investigations together with their suitability in a given clinical condition are discussed.
Book reviews
Authors: Wardman P.
Published: July 2009

For better or worse, science has evolved into different disciplines, and few scientists can claim to be competent in more than one area. It is therefore a daunting task for those working, for example, at the interface of chemistry and biology to assemble an overview of a subject which is both accurate and comprehensive from each viewpoint. Professor von Sonntag is to be applauded for his courage in being the first to tackle this subject area in such depth: there is no comparable book and it is an essential purchase for those interested in explaining radiobiological effects at the molecular level.
Book reviews
Authors: Hopewell J. W.
Published: July 2009

This volume is based on the proceedings of a workshop, with the same title,held between 21–24 October 1984 at Schloss Riesensburg, which is sited in an idyllic setting on a hill overlooking the Danube in the southern part of West Germany.
Fatigue fractures of the proximal tibia simulating malignancy
Authors: Davies A. M. , Evans N. , Grimer R. J.
Published: July 2009

The clinical and radiological features of nine fatigue fractures developing along the soleal line of the posteromedial cortex of the proximal tibia are described. Seven patients were referred with the diagnosis of a probable malignant sarcoma of bone. All nine patients were male and all but one were 18 years of age or less. Only two gave a history of a recent increase in physical activity. The plain radiographic findings consisted of an uninterrupted, lamellar, periosteal reaction arising medially and posteriorly in the proximal tibia with the fracture seen through the thickened posterior cortex. Bone scan revealed a fusiform focus of increased uptake in the posteromedial cortex of the tibia with varying degrees of activity in the adjacent metaphysis. Computed tomography, on a soft-tissue window, showed perifracture oedema and the absence of a soft-tissue mass. The attenuation of the underlying medulla was increased as a result of fibrosis and hyperaemia. On an extended window setting, both periosteal and endosteal callus was identified, maximal in the posteromedial tibia, and the fractures, multiple in two cases, were best demonstrated on a cortical window. Clinical and radiological features that differentiate a fatigue fracture of the tibia from a sarcoma are discussed.
The Clatterbridge high-energy neutron facility: dosimetry intercomparisons
Authors: Blake S. W. , Bonnett D. E. , Shaw J. E. , Eenmaa J. , Otte V. , Awschalom M. , Tatcher M. , Vynckier S.
Published: July 2009

Dosimetry intercomparisons have been performed between the Clatterbridge high-energy neutron facility and the following institutions, all employing beams with similar neutron energies: Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; University of Washington, Seattle, USA; MD Anderson Hospital, Houston, USA; and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, USA. The purpose of the intercomparison was to provide a basis for the exchange of dose–response data and to facilitate the involvement of Clatterbridge in collaborative clinical trials. Tissue-equivalent ionization chambers were used by the participants in each intercomparison to compare measurements of total (neutron plus γ) absorbed dose in the host institution's neutron beam, following calibration of the chambers in a reference photon beam. The effects of differences in exposure standards, chamber responses in the neutron beams and protocol-dependent dosimetry factors were all investigated. It was concluded that the overall difference in the measurement of absorbed dose relative to that determined by the Clatterbridge group was less than 2%.
Splenic accumulation of technetium 99m in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: McHugh K. , Lee D. M. , Batty V. B.
Published: July 2009

Splenic accumulation of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals is a rare phenomenon. It has, however, been previously described in a number of neoplastic disorders, including lymphoma but only once previously in leukaemia. Here we report a case of intense splenic uptake of bone agent in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and discuss possible aetiological mechanisms.

A 77-year-old man, with a 4-year history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, was admitted to hospital as a result of a syncopal episode. His medication on admission was cyclophosphamide 50 mg daily. Clinical examination revealed marked pallor, moderate icterus and hepatosplenomegaly. His haemoglobin on admission was 3.2 g/dl, with a reticulocyte count of 18.8%. Further laboratory investigations confirmed the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia complicated by a Coombs-positive haemolytic anaemia.
A hole in the humeral head
Authors: Desmond J. M. , Houghton J. E.
Published: July 2009

A 76-year-old-man presented to the orthopaedic department with a 6-month history of pain in the left shoulder. The patient was otherwise well. A radiograph revealed an area of lucency adjacent to the greater tuberosity (Fig. 1). Radiographs of the cervical spine revealed spondylosis. Initial investigations including a chest radiograph and routine blood tests revealed no abnormality. A bone scan was performed which showed no evidence of increased uptake in the lesion (Fig. 2) or in the remainder of the skeleton.
Volume effect in spinal cord
Authors: Withers H. Rodney , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: July 2009

The field size effect reported by Hopewell et al (1987) is an important contribution in an area where radiobiology has previously shed little light. They showed that the dose–response for myelopathy was different when 4, 8 or 16 mm lengths of spinal cord were irradiated with single doses of X rays. Their Fig. 5 illustrates that, for the ultimate development of myelitis, a reduction in treatment volume resulted in: (a) higher ED50 values (e.g. 20 Gy for a 16 mm length against 25.6 Gy for a 4 mm length), and (b) shallower dose—response curves.
Antagonism between radiosensitizing agents
Authors: Berenbaum M. C.
Published: July 2009

Watts et al (1987) examined various combinations of the radiosensitizing agents Ro 13–8799 and SR-2508 and concluded that their effects were additive. The term “additivism”, by which is generally meant lack of interaction between agents, has been defined in at least five different ways (Dewey et al, 1971; Valeriote & Lin, 1975; Han & Elkind, 1978; Berenbaum, 1981; Potemesil et al, 1986; Streffer & Muller, 1987). However, Watts et al (1987) give a particular example which shows that they mean the following. If a combination of dose d  a of agent A and dose d  b of agent B is additive, its effect will be the same as that of the “combination” of d  a of A plus that dose of A isoeffective with d  b of B.
Book reviews
Authors: Rees M. R.
Published: July 2009

Over the last few years the use of Doppler echocardiography has dramatically increased, first with the use of pulsed then continuous wave and now colour systems. As the use of Doppler echocardiography spreads from specialized cardiac centres there is a need to reduce the mystery that these techniques generate.
Book reviews
Authors: Fowler J. F.
Published: July 2009

This third edition is a brilliant update of the one essential book for all those interested in radiobiology, whether clinicians, researchers or radiation safety workers. For 16 years this has been, deservedly, the basic textbook. The first edition was beautifully concise and well balanced, the second edition somehow a little less so — it had grown too much. But in the third edition, conciseness and good balance have returned in full force. This book is a “must” for individuals. No library can provide enough copies to be continuously useful.
Book Reviews
Authors: Roberts P. J.
Published: July 2009

This is another excellent book from the series of Medical Physics Handbooks. Professor Kathren has provided historical interest throughout his book so that the reader does not lose contact with the fact that radiation protection is a constantly developing field. The chapters on the physical properties of radiation, units and dose are well documented and the simple calculations of absorbed dose from activity provide a neat translation into SI units for those still struggling with conversions.
Digital subtraction angiography of the left ventricle
Authors: Foster C. J. , Butler P. , Freer C. E. L.
Published: July 2009

Twenty-eight patients have been studied by left ventricular angiography and digital subtraction angiography, using either a peripheral venous injection (16) or a central venous injection (12) of contrast medium. Digital subtraction angiography compared favourably to angiography in the qualitative assessment of left ventricular size and function. Measurement of ejection fraction demonstrated a good correlation (r = 0.83) between digital subtraction angiography and left ventricular angiography. In the assessment of left ventricular segmental wall motion the use of a central venous injection, particularly in those patients with severely impaired ventricular function, proved superior to the use of a peripheral injection.
Macroglobulinaemic lymphoma presenting with perirenal masses
Authors: Lorigan James G. , David Cynthia L. , Shirkhoda Ali , Eftekhari Farzin , Alexanian Raymond
Published: July 2009

Perirenal masses are an uncommon manifestation of lymphoma. They are almost always associated with lymphoma elsewhere and usually represent direct spread from retroperitoneal lymph nodes (Jafri et al, 1982; Heiken et al, 1986). Renal or perirenal lymphoma may present as an abdominal mass, hydronephrosis, impairment of renal function, or as an incidental finding (Jafri et al, 1982; Horii et al, 1983; Heiken et al, 1986). We describe an unusual case of macroglobulinaemic lymphoma in a patient who presented with perirenal masses, correlating the findings on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR).
The metacarpal index in homozygous sickle-cell anaemia
Authors: Walker T. M.
Published: July 2009

I apologize to Dr Calder and his colleagues for inaccurately quoting their work in our paper. Wachira et al (1982) concluded that a high metacarpal index was a racial characteristic of Kenyan Africans. Walker and Ashcroft (1978) suggested that this might also be true for black Jamaicans.
Book reviews
Authors: Rose J. , Venables C. W.
Published: July 2009

This engaging little book has obviously been written by a pair of very enthusiastic surgeon-sonographers. Intra-operative ultrasound has been used for many years by urological as well as gastroenterological surgeons, mainly outside the UK. The authors have sought to distil their experience into a practical introduction to the technique as applied to hepato-biliary surgery.
Professor W. V. Mayneord, CBE, DSc, FInstP, FRS
Authors: Lamerton L. F.
Published: July 2009

Val Mayneord was a man who could have succeeded with great distinction in any of several fields. Throughout his life, in addition to his scientific work, he had great interests in literature and art, particularly of the Renaissance period, and in music. It is very fortunate for radiation medicine and medical physics that this was the field he chose for his profession. He brought to it a remarkable intelligence, great practical skill and wisdom. There are few areas in modern radiation medicine in which he did not make an outstanding contribution.

He played a large part in the establishment of radiation dose on the basis of energy absorption and did pioneer work on volume distribution of dose in the body. He carried out the first measurements of γ rays in roentgens in this country, and made some of the earliest mathematical studies of the distribution of dose around radioactive sources of varying shape. Very early on in the development of atomic energy he recognized the potential, for both therapy and diagnosis, of artificially produced radioactive materials and pioneered important techniques, including designing and building some of the first scanning equipment.
The measured height of the lumbosacral disc
Authors: Nicholson A. A.
Published: July 2009

Thank you for allowing us to see Dr Stabler's letter of June 4, 1988 regarding the above paper.
Book reviews
Authors: Renton P.
Published: July 2009

This textbook is intended for use by medical students and House Officers. It fits neatly into the coat pocket, but I fear the modern House Officer needs a pocket lined with shelves, so great are the claims on this space.
Book reviews
Authors: Preston B. J.
Published: July 2009

First, let me state that this book is superbly written and beautifully illustrated. It has been a pleasure to read.

The initial chapter is concerned with the technique of arthrography and the second chapter with the structures demonstrated. The rest of the book details the pathological processes encountered.
Book reviews
Authors: Hemingway Anne
Published: July 2009

In his introduction, Dr Kadir states that this book was conceived with a two-fold purpose: to serve as a manual of current angiographic techniques and provide a didactic textbook of angiography. The author succeeds admirably with both of these aims.

The book, just over 700 pages long, is divided into eight major sections. The first, comprising seven chapters, covers the subject of equipment and basic techniques. Chapter one is essential reading for anyone thinking of setting up or replacing an angiographic suite. The second chapter covers the range of materials (needles, guidewires, catheters, etc) available for catheterization.
Book reviews
Authors: Wraight E. P.
Published: July 2009

This book covers the whole field of radiopharmaceuticals with particular emphasis on the scientific principles underlying the production and application of these agents. Following an introductory survey of the field, the next five chapters, comprising about one-quarter of the book, deal with basic science. An excellent chapter on relevant physics deals concisely with radioactive decay, radiation detection, radionuclide production and dosimetry calculations.
Book reviews
Authors: Kendall Brian
Published: July 2009

This book has been written by a well proven team of North American teachers, all of whom have been fortunate enough to have acquired an extensive knowledge of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), many being pioneers in the field, and all are actively involved in the continuing clinical applications of the technique.

Without presuming any prior knowledge of the subject or introducing any complex physics or mathematics, the contributors provide working concepts, which give sufficient insight to allow logical application of MRI to clinical problems. At the same time, all the important facts of the subject are covered and the book is extensively referenced, well indexed and illustrated with excellent magnetic resonance images and many diagrams.
Book reviews
Authors: Virjee T.
Published: July 2009

If, like me, you are not really “au fait” with disorders of deglutition, then in this manual your prayers are answered. Jeri Logemann leads you, step by step, through 63 pages in which everything is explained so clearly and simply that frankly it's beyond embarrassment.
A source localizing technique for the microSelectron-HDR afterloading system
Authors: Jones Colin H.
Published: July 2009

The microSelectron-HDR is a high-dose-rate remote afterloading system which uses a single miniature 370 GBq (10 Ci) 192Ir source. The source can be remotely afterloaded into a 1.9 mm diameter catheter for treatment of bronchial and oesophageal carcinoma or into an 18-channel indexing system for high-dose rate interstitial implants. It can also be used with applicators designed to treat gynaecological disease. The machine has a control unit which can be programmed to position the source for a specified period of time within each applicator. The source is cable driven and its position can be varied in steps of 2.5 mm. The relative position of a source configuration can also be altered in 1 mm intervals. This flexibility provides considerable clinical advantage over systems which rely on fixed source configurations. However, the very large number of source positions that are obtainable highlights the importance of carrying out source localization checks.
Installation requirements for an argon laser angioplasty system
Authors: Smithson P. H. , Jeans W. D. , Murphy P.
Published: July 2009

The installation and running of an argon laser for angioplasty is described, together with the costs and safety aspects.

We have acquired a unit for the purpose of producing a passage through occluded arteries, and report here the pre-installation work required, the safety requirements and initial measurements on an argon laser (Optilase 900 supplied by Nycomed (UK) Ltd).

Argon lasers are similar to X-ray tubes in that they generate large amounts of heat for relatively small output powers (Carruth & McKenzie, 1986). Argon lasers have been used in laser-assisted angioplasty because they are stable and the blue/green frequency is absorbed well by blood.

A good water supply and drainage system is necessary to cool the laser. Interlocks are provided that will turn off the laser if the water pressure falls, so the water supply should preferably not have many other users as this will cause pressure fluctuations.
Assessment of angioplasty balloon catheters: further studies
Authors: Jeans W. D. , Henson J. H. L. , Holloway T. M. A. , Forman A. G. G. , Blakeborough A.
Published: July 2009

Eight millimetre diameter angioplasty balloon catheters of both the Gruntzig and Olbert types from five manufacturers have been tested in vitro to establish bursting pressures and the changes in maximum and deflated diameters following repeated inflations, both when free and within a restraining sleeve. Maximum inflated diameters were within 10% of that stated and all types of balloon except one burst at a pressure greater than the recommended value. Deflated diameters were approximately 1 mm greater than insertion diameters, which are much smaller in the Olbert type. All balloons became a little larger with each of the first few distensions, and became stiffer. The maximum diameter was reached and remained constant after 10–15 distensions. Distension within a latex sleeve did not change bursting pressures, and it is considered that results from unconstrained testing can be extrapolated to behaviour in vivo. Computer modelling and calculation of maximum stress resultants also showed that calculated longitudinal and circumferential stresses are unaffected by applied restrictions. It is concluded that balloon technology is steadily improving and it is suggested that British Standards should be established for dilatation balloon catheters. Amongst other factors these Standards should include maximum recommended inflation pressures that are at least 2 atm less than bursting pressures, whilst the stated maximum diameter should be for fully extended balloons, and should have a tolerance of no more than ± 10%.
Book Reviews
Authors: Jackson P. C.
Published: July 2009

In general, this is a well presented text concerned with the logistics for obtaining good-quality images in MRI. The authors assume a basic knowledge of the physics of MRI and a greater awareness for the formation of MRI images. Overall the text will appeal to those professionals who are actively involved in MRI, both medical and scientific.
Changes in biological effectiveness of the neutron beam at Clatterbridge (62 MeV p on Be) measured with cells in vitro
Authors: Bewley D. K. , Cullen B. M. , Astor M. , Hall E. J. , Blake S. W. , Bonnett D. E. , Zaider M.
Published: July 2009

Chinese hamster V79 cells have been used to assess changes in RBE of the p(62)Be neutron beam at the Clatterbridge Hospital with depth in a phantom and with use of a hydrogenous filter. The cells were exposed at depths of 2 and 12 cm and at a depth of 2 cm with a hydrogenous filter. Two groups of experimenters each conducted two experiments. The ratios of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) at a depth of 12 cm to that at 2 cm were found by the two groups to be 0.99 ± 0.04 and 0.96 ± 0.02 (standard errors). The effect of a polythene filter 4.5 cm thick was measured at a depth of 2 cm and the ratio of RBE with and without the filter was found by both groups to be 0.99 ± 0.02. All the experiments suggest that there may be small effects of beam hardening by depth and filtration but these results are in marked contrast with those obtained using an in vivo system.
Radiotherapy simulators and independent field wire movement
Authors: Robertson G.
Published: July 2009

When using the radiotherapy treatment simulator to determine a region to be treated, it is frequently required to move one field edge without altering the remainder. It is necessary both to change the field size and to reposition the field centre. This can be time consuming, particularly if the simulator operator is inexperienced, or if all edges of the field are not simultaneously displayed by the image intensifier. With the co-operation of simulator manufacturers, it may be possible to overcome this problem using the current generation of microcomputer-controlled simulators.

Varian have incorporated in their Ximatron CX series of radiotherapy treatment simulators a microcomputer for control and display purposes. The fielddefining crosswires can be moved either symmetrically or asymmetrically. In the symmetrical mode, the fielddefining crosswires are symmetrical about the beam centre, i.e. dxl = dx2 (Fig. 1), while the asymmetrical mode the four field-defining wires xl, x2, y1 and y2 can be moved independently. The jaws of the current generation of linear accelerators are capable of being set similarly. Situations exist where it is desirable to use asymmetrical fields, but in the great majority of cases it is more appropriate to use a symmetrical field arrangement.
Book reviews
Authors: King D. M.
Published: July 2009

This fascinating book is devoted to the consideration of the most appropriate imaging investigative pathway in 47 different clinical and radiographic problems. To aid him in this mammoth task the editor has co-opted a total of 76 contributors, but he has clearly maintained tight editorial control of the format and style of the book. Virtually all of the chapters adopt the same method of presentation and commence with a brief description of the incidence, aetiology and relevant clinical features of the subject under discussion.
The warm and tender hip
Authors: Lee Stephen H.
Published: July 2009

An 18-year-old white woman presented with left-sided low back pain of 9 months duration. Physical examination revealed a warm, tender area over the left sacro-iliac joint. There was wasting of the ipsilateral quadriceps femoris muscle and limitation of hip movements because of pain. The patient was apyrexial. Investigations revealed a haemoglobin of 12.4g dl−1, a white cell count of 7.9 × 109 1−1, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 33 mm h−1 and an alkaline phosphatase of 341 i.u. 1−1. A radiograph of the pelvis (Fig. 1) and computed tomography (CT) (Fig. 2) were performed.
Book reviews
Authors: Britton K. E.
Published: July 2009

This is a shopping list for nuclear medicine in its most supermarket form. There is a catalogue of brands to choose from for each item on the imaging shelf, designed for the MCQ mentality. To help to identify the best buy the choices are listed as common, uncommon and rare, and the content of each carton is helpfully documented with a reference, although the particular condition is not related to the list of references numerically.
Jekyll and Hyde chest radiographs
Authors: Cobby M. , Duncan A. , Hartnell G.
Published: July 2009

A full-term, male infant was admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit immediately following birth with cyanosis and respiratory distress. The pregnancy had been uneventful and the mother had three other children who were all well. The baby was intubated and ventilated but remained persistently hypoxic with a respiratory acidosis. The chest radiograph on admission is shown in Fig. 1.

Treatment for a presumed streptococcal pneumonia was instituted but the baby remained unwell. Over the following days an expanding “cystic area” was noted in the right lower zone (Fig. 2) and, following increasing mediastinal shift, three chest drains were inserted (Fig. 3).

What abnormalities are shown on the three chest radiographs? What is your differential diagnosis and what further investigations would you perform?

On the initial chest radiograph the cardiac apex is shifted to the left as is the upper mediastinum, shown by the position of the endotracheal tube. There is diffuse shadowing throughout both lungs, compatible with retained fetal fluid, and more dense opacification of the right lower zone. The second radiograph (Fig. 2) shows marked overexpansion of the right lung, with emphysematous changes of the lower and middle lobes, and mediastinal shift to the left. This is even more severe on the third radiograph (Fig. 3) with considerable herniation of the hyperinflated right lung across the midline, inversion of the hemi-diaphragm and increased emphysematous changes in the right lower and middle lobes.

The chest drain tubes were inserted on the assumption that a pneumothorax was present.
Book reviews
Authors: Sherwood Thomas
Published: July 2009

This is a fairly large, much illustrated book designed for medical students doing clinical clerkships or a month's radiology course. Its express aim is “an appropriate clinical approach to diagnostic imaging”, and the volume is also meant for housemen.
Book reviews
Authors: Whitehouse G. H.
Published: July 2009

As the authors state, without pretension, this small book is simply a crammer for the primary examination of the FRCR. It is difficult to assess this sort of book, not only because it is aimed at a specific and ephemeral audience, but also because it gives a personal selection of those parts of the syllabus which the authors consider to be either particularly important or difficult to remember.
Radiocontrast agents are contact activators of coagulation
Authors: Dawson P. , Bradshaw A.
Published: July 2009

The interactions between iodinated radiological contrast agents and various elements of the blood have been studied by a number of authors (Aspelin & Schmidt-Schonbein, 1978; Almen et al, 1980; Aspelin et al, 1980a, b; Dawson et al, 1983; Dawson, 1985; Dawson et al, 1986; Stormorken et al, 1986; Dawson et al, 1988). Although possible clinical correlates of some of the interactions have been indicated (Almén et al, 1980; Aspelin et al, 1980; Dawson et al, 1983, 1986; Stormorken et al, 1986), most of the work was in vitro and performed not so much with practical clinical effects in mind but more with the intention of assessing the absolute and relative chemotoxicities of contrast agents. Haematological effects parallel those of other systems and enzymes and therefore are useful in being relatively easily studied (Dawson, 1985).

Recently, interest in possible clinical sequelae of some aspects of contrast–blood interactions has been renewed (Raininko & Ylinen, 1987; Robertson, 1987). In particular, considerable attention has been focused on the occasional formation of clots in syringes and catheters, which, it has been claimed, is more likely to occur when these contain a non-ionic rather than an ionic agent (Robertson, 1987). This may be explained on the basis that the anticoagulant effects and inhibition of platelet aggregation with collagen of the non-ionic agents are less than those of the ionic agents, consistent with their known lesser chemotoxicity (Dawson & Edgerton, 1983; Dawson, 1985; Howell & Dawson, 1985; Dawson et al, 1986; Stormorken et al, 1986; Dawson et al, 1988).
Book reviews
Authors: McElwain T. J.
Published: July 2009

This very attractively produced, well illustrated book sets out to be a didactic comprehensive text “that is organised to provide practical assistance in the day to day treatment of the individual patient”. It is unusual in dealing with both Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphomas and with the management of both adults and children. This unifying approach is both logical and welcome although perhaps it leads in some places to a certain sketchiness and avoidance of controversy. This lack of adequate discussion of controversial areas is probably influenced by the choice of authors: of the 25 contributors, 21 are from the M. D. Anderson Hospital, the remaining four all being contributors to one chapter only, that on mycosis fungoides.
Low-field (0.08 T) magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas: comparison with computed tomography and ultrasound
Authors: Smith F. W. , Bayliss A. P. , Hussey J. K. , Robertson E. M. , Weir J. , Crosher G. A.
Published: July 2009

Seventy-four patients referred for computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound examination with a presumptive diagnosis of pancreatic disease have been studied using a low-field (0.08 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging instrument. A further 50 patients being examined for non-pancreatic disease were also examined to assess the appearances of the normal pancreas. All the MR examinations were performed using an interleaved saturation–recovery/short inversion time (TI) inversion–recovery sequence. Part or all of the pancreas was seen in 96% of normal cases. In inflammatory disease, MR was more accurate than either CT or ultrasound for diagnosis, whilst for the demonstration of pancreatic tumours, MR was found to be no better or worse than either CT or ultrasound. The use of specific T  1 measurement for soft-tissue characterization was not useful because of the large overlap in values between normal, inflamed and malignant pancreatic tissue. T  1 measurement was found to be useful in differentiating different pathological fluids.
Assessment of feature size abnormalities using receiver operating characteristic analysis
Authors: Warren R. C. , Darwin C. J.
Published: July 2009

The ability of an observer to detect variations in size of a geometrical image feature have been investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Three types of image were constructed using computer graphics: disc-shaped targets of variable radius, model chest radiographs showing a variable heart diameter and model arterial angiograms with variable vessel width. Five factors were investigated: observer experience, variation of detectability with theoretical signal-to-noise ratio, the prior probability of the presence of an abnormality, viewing distance, and uncertainty in the location of an abnormality. In all but one experiment, excellent agreement was found between measured detectabilities and the predictions of signal detection theory, providing an initial practice session was included for each observer. No significant variation in detectability was found using six different prior probabilities and two different viewing distances, and the reduction in detectability for a four-alternative location task was in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The high statistical efficiencies found for the detection of geometrical signals suggest that the levels of observer “internal” noise arising from decision-making processes during an ROC experiment are very low.
Soft-tissue sarcoma: neutrons versus photons for post-operative irradiation
Authors: Catterall Mary
Published: July 2009

A paper in BJR by Glaholm and Harmer (1988) describes five of my patients. The data on four of them are wrong and misleading. These are serious inaccuracies and I drew attention to them when I was sent a draft of the first paper. I was not sent a further draft and did not know the paper had been revised and resubmitted to your journal.

I would draw your attention to the following wrong data (Tables I, II).

Drs Glaholm and Harmer state that, “in one case excision was incomplete, there being a small-volume macroscopic residium prior to neutron therapy”.
Book reviews
Authors: Graves M. J.
Published: July 2009

This monograph is the proceedings of an American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) symposium in co-operation with the Bowman Gray School of Medicine held in April 1988, with contributions from a number of academic and commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scientists and engineers.

Image quality in MRI is dependent upon a highly complex inter-relationship between a number of subsystems each requiring optimal adjustment. The book addresses the criteria for objective evaluation of image quality and system performance and is aimed at the clinical physicist with the responsibility for making such measurements. The first chapter provides a brief overview of the influence of particular MRI system components on image quality, whilst the next four chapters describe the main image parameters required for adequate monitoring of the sensitivity and geometric characteristics of a clinical MR imaging system.
Fatigue fractures of the femoral diaphysis in the skeletally immature simulating malignancy
Authors: Davies A. M. , Carter S. R. , Grimer R. J. , Sneath R. S.
Published: July 2009

The clinical and radiological features of three fatigue fractures developing along the medial aspect of the distal femoral diaphysis are described. All three patients were skeletally immature and were referred with the radiographic diagnosis of a probable sarcoma of bone. The plain radiographic findings consisted of an uninterrupted single lamella of periosteal new bone arising medially from the distal femoral diaphysis. Bone scans showed no evidence of hyperaemia on the vascular phase and revealed a fusiform focus of increased uptake in the postero-medial cortex of the lower femoral diaphysis on the 3-h images. Computed tomography showed increased attenuation of the medulla due to fibrosis and an absence of a soft-tissue mass. Periosteal callus was present and a cortical fracture through the medial femoral cortex was identified in two cases. The features that distinguish a fatigue fracture of the femur from a sarcoma are discussed.