A proof-of-concept study to investigate the radiolabelling of human mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells with [Zr]Zr-Df-Bz-NCS.

Background: The transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) or mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases has been studied extensively. A challenge with cell-based therapies is that migration to and retention at the target site is often difficult to monitor and quantify. Zirconium-89 (Zr) is a positron-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of 3.

Highlighting New Research Trends on Zirconium-89 Radiopharmaceuticals Beyond Antibodies.

Zirconium-89 (Zr) is a cyclotron-produced positron-emitting radioisotope with a half-life of 3.27 days, which makes delayed or longitudinal imaging possible. It is a superior isotope for tracking particles over several days at a high sensitivity, resolution, and specificity.

Recently developed radiopharmaceuticals for bacterial infection imaging.

Background: Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, regardless of advances in antimicrobial therapy and improved knowledge of microorganisms. With the major global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, fast and accurate diagnosis of infections, and the reliable identification of intractable infection, are becoming more crucial for effective treatment and the application of antibiotic stewardship. Molecular imaging with the use of nuclear medicine allows early detection and localisation of infection and inflammatory processes, as well as accurate monitoring of treatment response.

Radiation exposure of Staff handling Fluorine-Fluorodeoxyglucose in a new positron emission tomography/computed tomography centre.

Background: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is an imaging modality that combines images from high-energy gamma rays emitted by a positron emitting radiopharmaceutical and those from the CT component. The images are then used in the diagnosis of severe diseases. Procedures with PET radiopharmaceuticals introduce a risk of high occupational radiation exposure to staff handling them.

Zr-leukocyte labelling for cell trafficking: in vitro and preclinical investigations.

Background: The non-invasive imaging of leukocyte trafficking to assess inflammatory areas and monitor immunotherapy is currently generating great interest. There is a need to develop more robust cell labelling and imaging approaches to track living cells. Positron emission tomography (PET), a highly sensitive molecular imaging technique, allows precise signals to be produced from radiolabelled moieties.

Changes in levels of omega-O-acylceramides and related processing enzymes of sun-exposed and sun-protected facial stratum corneum in differently pigmented ethnic groups.

Introduction: We report on the differences in ceramide composition and levels of omega-O-acylceramide processing enzymes of sun-exposed and sun-protected facialstratum corneum (SC) among Albino African, Black African and Caucasian women living in South Africa.

Methods: Tape strippings were taken from the sun-exposed cheek and the sunprotected postauricular site (PA). In two subsets proteomic (n = 18) and lipidomic (n = 24) analysis were performed using mass-spectrometry-based shotgun platforms.

Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (Marula) oil: A clinical perspective.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (Marula) nut oil is a popular ingredient in cosmetics such as skin lotions, lipsticks and foundations.

Evaluating the Photoprotective Effects of Ochre on Human Skin by In Vivo SPF Assessment: Implications for Human Evolution, Adaptation and Dispersal.

Archaeological indicators of cognitively modern behaviour become increasingly prevalent during the African Middle Stone Age (MSA). Although the exploitation of ochre is viewed as a key feature of the emergence of modern human behaviour, the uses to which ochre and ochre-based mixtures were put remain ambiguous. Here we present the results of an experimental study exploring the efficacy of ochre as a topical photoprotective compound.

Cosmetic and amino acid analysis of the effects of lye and no-lye relaxer treatment on adult black female South African hair.

Surveys indicate that many South African women use relaxers to straighten their hair for cosmetic reasons, which can damage the hair and scalp. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of treating hair with two types of relaxers: Product A (a lye relaxer, sodium hydroxide base) and Product B (a no-lye relaxer, guanidine hydroxide base). Five adult black female South African subjects were used for the study that was divided into two parts.

Chemical analysis and in vitro UV-protection characteristics of clays traditionally used for sun protection in South Africa.

Clays have been used in southern Africa as photoprotectants by the indigenous people. Typically, two types of clay are used: one white in colour and the other red. In this work, the two clays were identified and characterized, and their in vitro SPF values measured.

Facial skin-lightening benefits of the tetrapeptide Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys on subjects with skin types V-VI living in South Africa.

Background: Irregular skin pigmentation may be a substantial contributor to the signs of aging and to a person's lack of psychological well-being. Although a large number of skin-lightening agents are available, the opportunity exists to identify more efficacious agents, agents that target alternative biological mechanisms.

Aims: To provide clinical evidence of the skin-lightening effect of the tetrapeptide, Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys (PKEK), on subjects with skin types V-VI living in South Africa.