Imaging of the portal vein during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures: a comparison of carbon dioxide and iodinated contrast.

We report our experience with wedged hepatic injections of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the imaging of the portal vein during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures. In all patients CO2 allowed quick and effective visualization of the portal vein. The image quality and extent of visualization of the portal vein was considered superior to iodinated contrast media in all cases.

Effect of angiotensin II on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in the human airway both in vitro and in vivo.

The renin-angiotensin system is activated in acute severe asthma. Angiotensin II causes bronchoconstriction in mild asthmatics and potentiates methacholine-evoked bronchoconstriction both in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate the effect of angiotensin II on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, human bronchial rings (n = 6) were obtained from lung tissue at thoracotomy and were prepared in organ baths.

Differential cytotoxicity of [123I]IUdR, [125I]IUdR and [131I]IUdR to human glioma cells in monolayer or spheroid culture: effect of proliferative heterogeneity and radiation cross-fire.

Radioiodinated iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) is a novel, cycle-specific agent that has potential for the treatment of residual malignant glioma after surgery. As only cells in S-phase incorporate IUdR into DNA, a major limitation to this therapy is likely to be proliferative heterogeneity of the tumour cell population. Using a clonogenic end point, we have compared the toxicities of three radioiodoanalogues of IUdR--[123I]IUdR, [125I]IUdR and [131I]IUdR--to the human glioma cell line UVW, cultured as monolayers in the exponential and the plateau phase of growth and as multicellular spheroids.

Using accreditation of prior learning and accreditation of prior experiential learning for entry on to the BSc in Medical Illustration.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) scheme described in this paper has been prepared following discussions between the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), departments of Learning and Educational Development and Biological Sciences. The scheme gives specific academic credit under the Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) scheme for learning gained from experience, allowing access onto the Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Medical Illustration to potential students who do not have the required Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent entry qualification. The need, rationale and structure of the scheme are described.

'Conversion course' to allow holders of the IMI Diploma in Medical Illustration to gain a BSc in Medical Illustration from Glasgow Caledonian University.

The 'conversion course' described in this paper has been set up following discussions between the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). The 'conversion course' will take the form of a degree triple module with a credit rating of 60 Scottish Credit and Accumulation Transfer (SCOTCAT) credits at Scottish Degree (SD) level 3. This module will require the student to undertake an extended theoretical based investigative project.

The Institute of Medical Illustrators and Glasgow Caledonian University BSc in Medical Illustration assessment system.

As a part-time work-based degree with students registered from all parts of the United Kingdom, and potentially from abroad, the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical illustration does not have assessment in the conventional form as used by full-time courses undertaken in a university. It incorporates the expertise of medical illustrators actually working in the profession. The unique nature of the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) BSc has required the development of an assessment system that satisfies the quality assurance demands of both the awarding and professional body.

The Institute of Medical Illustrators and Glasgow Caledonian University BSc degree in Medical Illustration.

This paper relates the history leading to the validation of the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) Diploma as a part-time, work-based, Bachelor of Science Degree by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) on the 11th June 1996. It also outlines a description of the structure and content of this degree programme. The BSc is a joint venture between GCU, who are the awarding academic institution, and the IMI, who are the professional examining body.

Technical report: an alternative mechanical technique of pseudoaneurysm compression therapy.

Graded manual compression therapy under ultrasound guidance has become the standard first line treatment of post-catheterization femoral pseudoaneurysms. Although effective, this treatment is often poorly tolerated by both patient and operator. We describe a new mechanical technique which has proven successful in our department, and is well tolerated by both patients and staff.

Endothelin-1-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been indirectly implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma, and it is a potent bronchoconstrictor both in vitro and by inhalation in animal models in vivo. We examined the effect of inhaled ET-1 on airway tone in comparison with methacholine in eight asthmatics and five healthy volunteers in a double-blind randomized fashion. After a screening methacholine challenge each asthmatic had two ET-1 (doubling dose range, 0.

Know how ... management of wound exudate.

Although wound exudate is necessary for healing, when its production becomes excessive it becomes a problem, contributing to skin maceration and delaying wound healing. Treating the underlying cause of excessive exudate-generation and selecting appropriate dressings are the keys to effective management.

Application of a gamma extremity monitoring system in a radiopharmaceutical dispensary.

A new gamma extremity monitoring system (GEMS) was used to assess finger doses of staff working in a hospital radionuclide dispensary. The system is designed to give a continuous readout of dose rate from a small probe which may be attached to a finger. It allows the contributions to radiation dose to the fingers from different parts of a procedure to be measured for the first time and the detailed pattern of radiation exposure to be determined.

Endothelin-1 levels in induced sputum samples from asthmatic and normal subjects.

Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent bronchoconstrictor which may have a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. The levels of ET-1 in saliva, induced sputum, and plasma from asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects were compared.

Methods: Sputum induction was performed on 28 asthmatic subjects and nine normal volunteers.

Renal artery stent placement in renal artery stenosis: technical and early clinical results.

We report the technical and early clinical results of renal artery stent placement in 29 consecutive patients treated at a single centre over a 30-month period, employing the Palmaz balloon-expandable stent. Of 32 arteries treated, 23 (72%) were atheromatous, ostial stenoses. Immediate technical success was achieved in all 29 patients.

Improving the quality of near-patient blood glucose measurement.

The quality of near-patient blood glucose measurement was audited in our hospitals in 1990, when a diversity of glucose meters were in use, by sending three samples of unknown (to the meter user) concentration to each user and collecting and analysing the results produced. The overall performance was unsatisfactory with a mean coefficient of variation (CV) of 23.5%.

First SPET images of glutamate (NMDA) receptor activation in vivo in cerebral ischaemia.

This report describes the initial clinical assessment of (+)-3-[123I]Iodo-MK-801 and its potential to provide single photon emission tomographic (SPET) images in vivo of NMDA receptor activation during cerebral ischaemia. Multiple SPET images were obtained in the 120 min after the administration of 150 MBq of (+)-3-[123I]Iodo-MK-801 to five patients with cerebral ischaemia (due to cerebral haemorrhages) and to five normal volunteers. In normal subjects, (+)-3-[123I]Iodo-MK-801 has a rapid uptake into the brain.

Intraoperative identification of sentinel lymph node in patients with malignant melanoma.

We report our experience with the technique of lymphatic mapping using patent blue V dye in patients with limb malignant melanoma. The technique is based on the hypothesis that embolic metastases occur along lymphatic channels to a 'sentinel' lymph node: the draining lymph node nearest the site of the primary malignant melanoma. Patent blue V dye (0.

The radiation dose to the urinary bladder in radio-iodine therapy.

A new MIRD dynamic model has been used to provide estimates of the dose to the urinary bladder resulting from the administration of the therapeutic agents 131I as iodide (for thyroid carcinoma) and 131I meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) (for neuroendocrine tumours). Because the latter agent is used for therapeutic purposes in children, dose estimates were obtained for subjects aged 1 year and upwards. Those parameters likely to influence the bladder dose were also investigated, making use of the inherent flexibility of the model.

Medical education: challenges and opportunities.

New curricula and educational methods are needed in medical education to take account of changes in the material taught, and the way in which education is delivered. We describe two approaches to these challenges--an internationally developed slide-text-based program and a multimedia clinical case-based CD-ROM project.

Early outcome after open versus extraperitoneal endoscopic tension-free hernioplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: The use of minimal access surgery for repair of groin hernias is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic tension-free hernia repair with open tension-free hernia repair within a randomized clinical trial.

Methods: One hundred twenty patients were randomized by four surgeons during a 1-year period.