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ll system efficiency and reduce doses.We recently developed a dedicated focusing multi-pinhole collimator for a stationary SPECT system that offers down to 120 µm (or 1.7 nL) spatial resolution SPECT images of cryo-cooled tissue samples (EXIRAD-3D). This collimator is suitable for imaging isotopes that are often used in small animal and diagnostic SPECT such as 125I (27 keV), 201Tl (71 keV), 99mTc (140 keV), and 111In (171 and 245 keV). The goal of the present work is to develop high-resolution pinhole imaging of tissue samples containing isotopes with high-energy photon emissions, for example, therapeutic alpha and beta emitters that co-emit high energy gammas (e.g. 213Bi (440 keV) and 131I (364 keV)) or 511 keV annihilation photons from PET isotopes. To this end, we optimise and evaluate a new high energy small-bore multi-pinhole collimator through simulations. The collimator-geometry was first optimised by simulating a Derenzo phantom scan with a biologically realistic activity concentration of 18F at two system sensitivities (0.30% and 0.60%) by varying pinhole placements. Subsequently, the wall thickness was selected based on reconstructions of a Derenzo phantom and a uniform phantom. The obtained collimators were then evaluated for 131I (364 keV), 213Bi (440 keV), 64Cu (511 keV), and 124I (511 + 603 keV) with biologically realistic activity concentrations, and also for some high activity concentrations of 18F, using digital resolution, mouse knee joint, and xenograft phantoms. Our results show that placing pinhole centres at a distance of 8 mm from the collimator inner wall yields good image quality, while a wall thickness of 43 mm resulted in sufficient shielding. The collimators offer resolutions down to 0.35 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.5 mm when imaging 131I, 213Bi, 18F, 64Cu, and 124I, respectively, contained in tissue samples at biologically achievable activity concentrations.A method is presented for synthesizing core-shell nanoparticles with a magnetic core and a porous shell suitable for drug delivery and other medical applications. The core contains multiple γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (∼15 nm) enclosed in a SiO2 (∼100-200 nm) matrix using either methyl (denoted TMOS-γ-Fe2O3) or ethyl (TEOS-γ-Fe2O3) template groups. Low-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the magnetic nanoparticles have the maghemite structure, γ-Fe2O3, with all the vacancies in the octahedral sites. Saturation magnetization measurements revealed that the density of γ-Fe2O3 was greater in the TMOS-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles than TEOS-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, presumably because of the smaller methyl group. Magnetization measurements showed that the blocking temperature is around room temperature for the TMOS-γ-Fe2O3 and around 250 K for the TEOS-γ-Fe2O3. Three dimensional topography analysis shows clearly that the magnetic nanoparticles are not only at the surface but have penetrated deep in the silica to form the core-shell structure.This was a prospective observational study to evaluate abnormalities in lipid profile in 50 children with transfusion dependent thalassemia. Dyslipidemia characterized by high triglycerides, low high density lipoprotein (HDL), and high total cholesterol HDL ratio was noted. These pro atherogenic risk factors may be lead to significant cardiovascular morbidity in these patients.This study evaluated the efficacy of tactile kinesthetic stimulation on the weight of 40 preterm (28 weeks to less then 37 weeks) infants. Experimental group received two sessions per day of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation, for 10 consecutive days along with routine hospital care (RHC) and control group received only RHC. Increase in mean (SD) weight gain was significantly higher in the experimental group as compared to control group [10.79 (0.62) g vs 4.03 (0.89) g; P less then 0.001].The efficacy of olanzapine (mean dose 0.09 mg/kg/dose) was evaluated in 31 children 2-18 years of age, for chemotherapy induced breakthrough vomiting. Among 42 chemotherapy blocks with emesis, complete and partial responses were observed in 34 (80.9%) and 6 (14.3%) blocks, respectively, while 1/31(2.4%) patient had refractory vomiting. Mild sedation and transient transaminitis were the observed side effects.We assessed compliance to routine vitamin D supplementation in 330 infants (age 6 wk to 9 mo), who were prescribed supplemen-tation at birth. 137 (41.5%) had received vitamin D supplemen-tation at some point of time till enrolment. Bromelain Median (IQR) compliance to routine vitamin D supplementation was 66.7% (50%, 83.3%) in those who ever received supple-mentation. Only 29 (8.8%) were receiving appropriate routine vitamin D supple-mentation in terms of dose, frequency and duration. There was low level of reinforcement (35%) from healthcare workers and low parental awareness (34%) of the need of supplementation.
To investigate the lead exposure levels, and the effect of blood lead level (BLL) on recurrent respiratory infections in children aged 3-7 years in Shenyang.
A case-control study including 78 children with recurrent respiratory infections and 141 controls was performed. Venous blood was obtained for BLL, and a questionnaire was completed.
The BLL was significantly higher in children with recurrent respiratory infections than that in the control group [Median (IQR) 2.56 (1.29-6.19) vs 1.99 (0.90-5.92) µg/dL, P=0.029]. Children with BLL ≥1.95 µg/dL were more likely to be suffering from recurrent respiratory infections (OR=2.328, 95%CI=1.228-4.413) than those with BLL <1.95 µg/dL.
High lead level can increase the risk of respiratory infections in preschool children.
High lead level can increase the risk of respiratory infections in preschool children.It is well known that prolonged hospitalizations and medical procedures have adverse psychological impact on children. Ancillary services in the pediatric departments help in mitigating stress, improve patient satisfaction, reduce procedural time, and improve the quality of life. This can be translated to measurable outcomes such as less doctor's visits, fewer symptoms, early discharge and fewer medications. Other benefits include conserving staff time and energy, thereby increasing productivity, staff retention and decreasing burnout. As more free-standing children's hospitals emerge, the ancillary services will gain more recognition and popularity to give the best patient care experience.