Peptide derived from plant defensins: A promising Ga radiolabelled agent for diagnostic of infection foci in PET.

The development of new radiopharmaceuticals for the detection of hidden infection foci has great relevance for early detection and the selection of the correct treatment, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. In that sense, the labelling of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are capable of binding specifically to the pathogenic microorganism which causes the infection, should provide a sufficiently specific agent, able to distinguish an infection from a sterile inflammation. Defensins are particularly interesting molecules with antimicrobial activity, the EcgDf1 defensin was identified from the genome of a Uruguayan native plant, Erythrina crista-galli, the 'Ceibo' tree.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis With Complete Resection of the Subchondral Bone Plate.

First metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis is associated with high union rates but there is a wide range of union incidence reported. Whether the subchondral plate is completely resected, is not reported by individual studies and without meticulous care, there is often residual subchondral plate. The primary aim was to report our union rate following first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with complete resection of the subchondral plate, locking plate fixation and immediate protected weight bearing.

Prenylated Flavanone Isolated from Dalea Species as a Potential Multitarget-Neuroprotector in an In Vitro Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a neurodegenerative process that has not yet been prevented, reversed, or stopped. Continuing with the search for natural pharmacological treatments, flavonoids are a family of compounds with proven neuroprotective effects and multi-targeting behavior. The American genus Dalea L.

Synthesis of a [F]F Estradiol Derivative via Click Chemistry Using an Automated Synthesis Module: In Vitro Evaluation as Potential Radiopharmaceutical for Breast Cancer Imaging.

"Click reactions" are a very useful tool for the selective conjugation of different molecular subunits to produce complex structures in a simple way. In this paper, we present the application of Cu(I)-catalyzed biorthogonal reactions between alkynes and azides to the indirect radiofluorination of an estradiol derivative with potential applications in estrogen receptor imaging. The procedure was fully developed on an automated synthesis platform, and conditions were optimized to achieve the desired product with a reasonable yield without precipitation.

Development and Evaluation of Tc Tricarbonyl Complexes Derived from Flutamide with Affinity for Androgen Receptor.

With the objective to develop a potential Tc radiopharmaceutical for imaging the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer, four ligands bearing the same pharmacophore derived from the AR antagonist flutamide were prepared, labeled with Tc, and their structures corroborated via comparison with the corresponding stable rhenium analogs. All complexes were obtained with high radiochemical purity. Three of the complexes were highly stable, and, due to their favorable physicochemical properties, were further evaluated using AR-positive and AR-negative cells in culture.

Radiosynthesis and validation of [ F]fluoroestradiol in a Synthra plus research platform for use in routine clinical practice.

In this practitioner protocol, the optimization of the radiochemical synthesis of [ F]fluoroestradiol (FES) on the Synthra RNplus research automated platform is described in detail and a quality control (QC) summary of three validation productions is presented. In comparison with published synthesis methods developed on other platforms, the yield was considerably improved (40%-45% ndc). The other important improvement is the reduction of the required concentration of H SO avoiding the production of high concentrations of acidic vapors that can deteriorate the module.

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Maleimide Inhibitors As Potential PET-Tracers for Imaging Alzheimer's Disease: C-Synthesis and Proof of Concept.

Herein we present the evaluation of C-labeled-maleimides as radiotracers for positron emission tomography imaging of GSK-3 associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). 3-Acetyl-4-(1-[C]-methyl-1-indol-3-yl)[1]pyrrole-2,5-dione ([C]-) was obtained by direct methylation using [C]-CHI and CsCO in DMF with a 31 ± 4% radiochemical yield and a radiochemical purity of 97.7 ± 0.

Muscle Mass Assessed by Computed Tomography at the Third Lumbar Vertebra Predicts Patient Survival in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective: Muscle mass is a key element for the evaluation of nutritional disturbances in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Low muscle mass is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The assessment of muscle mass by computed tomography at the third lumbar vertebra region (CTMM-L3) is an accurate method not subject to errors from fluctuation in the hydration status.

[Argentinean consensus guidelines on the use of monoclonal antibodies in patients with migraine].

Introduction: Migraine is a very prevalent disorder that is estimated to affect about 15% of adult subjects. Recently, the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies that act on the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway (MA-CGRP) has been evaluated in migraine. Several groups around the world have developed consensus guidelines about the use of monoclonal antibodies, however, in some regions is difficult to extrapolate the recommendations.

Development and evaluation of a Tc(V)-nitrido complex derived from estradiol for breast cancer imaging.

Estrogen receptors are overexpressed in 70% of breast cancer and identification of their presence is important to select the appropriate treatment. This work proposes the preparation and evaluation of an estradiol derived as potential ER imaging agent. Ethinylestradiol was derivatized to introduce a dithiocarbamate function for Tc coordination.

Prostate cancer detection with biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) by readers with different experience: performance and comparison with multiparametric (mpMRI).

Purpose: To study the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) by readers with different experience, comparing performance with biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bmMRI) and with the reference multiparametric (mpMRI).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 68 patients with mpMRI of the prostate at 1.5 Tesla using a 32 phased-array coil.

Association of Sarcopenia With Nutritional Parameters, Quality of Life, Hospitalization, and Mortality Rates of Elderly Patients on Hemodialysis.

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether diminished muscle mass, diminished muscle strength, or both conditions (sarcopenia) are associated with worse nutritional status, poor quality of life (QoL), and hard outcomes, such as hospitalization and mortality, in elderly patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

Design And Subjects: This is a multicenter observational longitudinal study that included 170 patients on MHD (age 70 ± 7 years, 65% male) from 6 dialysis centers.

Main Outcome Measure: The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People defines sarcopenia as the presence of both low muscle mass by appendicular skeletal + low muscle function by handgrip strength.

Muscle mass assessment by computed tomography in chronic kidney disease patients: agreement with surrogate methods.

Background/objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are subjected to muscle wasting. Therefore, it is important to investigate surrogate methods that enable the assessment of muscle mass loss in the clinical setting. We aimed to analyze the agreement between computed tomography (CT) and surrogate methods for the assessment of muscle mass in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Synthesis of an AlF radiofluorinated GLU-UREA-LYS(AHX)-HBED-CC PSMA ligand in an automated synthesis platform.

Background: Overexpression of prostatic membrane antigen (PSMA) is associated with the progression and prognosis of prostate cancer. There are numerous studies using this peptide with the Ga radionuclide. Previous methods to synthetize F-labeled PSMA ligands with complexes [F]AlF have been achieved.

Development of mirror pain following trigeminal nerve injury: a case report and review of neuropathic mechanisms.

Following injury to a peripheral nerve, patients may complain of pain over the distribution of the same contralateral nerve, a phenomenon referred to as contralateral pain or mirror pain (MP). Symptoms of MP usually begin after the neuropathic pain from the original nerve injury has become chronic. Chronic neuropathic pain can lead to sensitization and spread of pain.

Development and characterization of a Tc-tricarbonyl-labelled estradiol derivative obtained by "Click Chemistry" with potential application in estrogen receptors imaging.

Assessment of the presence of estrogen receptors in breast cancer is crucial for treatment planning. With the objective to develop a potential agent for estrogen receptors imaging, we present the development and characterization of a Tc-tricarbonyl-labelled estradiol derivative. Using ethinylestradiol as starting material, an estradiol derivative bearing a 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole-containing tridentate ligand system was synthesized by "Click Chemistry" and fully characterized.

3-(Benzyloxy)-1-(5-[F]fluoropentyl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole: a PET radiotracer to measure acetylcholinesterase in brain.

Aim: Noninvasive studies of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients can contribute to a better understanding of the disease and its therapeutic. We propose 3-(benzyloxy)-1-(5-[F]fluoropentyl)-5-nitro-1H-indazole, [F]-IND1, structurally related to the AChE-inhibitor CP126,998, as a new positron emission tomography-radiotracer.

Experimental: Radiosynthesis, with 18F, stability, lipophilicity and protein binding of [18F]-IND1 were studied.

Acute pyelonephritis in transplanted kidneys: can diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging be useful for diagnosis and follow-up?

Purpose: To assess reliability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in the management of acute pyelonephritis (APN) foci in transplanted kidneys.

Materials And Methods: In the 2012-2014 period, 24 kidney-transplanted patients underwent MR screening for clinical suspicion of APN. Two readers independently analyzed all images, establishing presence and location of APN foci.

Environmental factors and their association with emergency department hand hygiene compliance: an observational study.

Objectives: Hand hygiene is effective in preventing healthcare-associated infections. Environmental conditions in the emergency department (ED), including crowding and the use of non-traditional patient care areas (ie, hallways), may pose barriers to hand hygiene compliance. We examined the relationship between these environmental conditions and proper hand hygiene.

The biopsychosocial spiritual model applied to the treatment of women with breast cancer, through RIME intervention (relaxation, mental images, spirituality).

This postdoctoral study on the application of the RIME intervention in women that had undergone mastectomy and were in treatment, aimed to promote psychospiritual and social transformations to improve the quality of life, self-esteem and hope. A total of 28 women participated and were randomized into two groups. Brief Psychotherapy (PB) (average of six sessions) was administered in the Control Group, and RIME (three sessions) and BP (average of five sessions) were applied in the RIME Group.

Prescription drug monitoring and drug overdose mortality.

Background: Abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioid analgesics, has become a major source of injury mortality and morbidity in the United States. To prevent the diversion and misuse of controlled substances, many states have implemented prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). This study assessed the impact of state PDMPs on drug overdose mortality.

Alkylation of histidine residues of Bothrops jararacussu venom proteins and isolated phospholipases A2: a biotechnological tool to improve the production of antibodies.

Crude venom of Bothrops jararacussu and isolated phospholipases A2 (PLA2) of this toxin (BthTX-I and BthTX-II) were chemically modified (alkylation) by p-bromophenacyl bromide (BPB) in order to study antibody production capacity in function of the structure-function relationship of these substances (crude venom and PLA2 native and alkylated). BthTX-II showed enzymatic activity, while BthTX-I did not. Alkylation reduced BthTX-II activity by 50% while this process abolished the catalytic and myotoxic activities of BthTX-I, while reducing its edema-inducing activity by about 50%.

Synthesis and evaluation of a new 99mTc(I)-tricarbonyl complex bearing the 5-nitroimidazol-1-yl moiety as potential hypoxia imaging agent.

The objective of this work was to develop a novel (99m) Tc complex bearing the 5-nitroimidazol-1-yl moiety with recognised selectivity towards hypoxic tissue, as a potential radiopharmaceutical for imaging tumour hypoxia. The new metronidazole derivative (2-amine-3-[2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethylthio]propanoic acid) (L) containing adequate groups to coordinate technetium through the formation of a Tc(I)-tricarbonyl complex was synthesised with adequate yield (33%) and characterised by spectroscopy. Labelling was performed by substitution of three labile water molecules of the technetium tricarbonyl precursor, fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)3 (H2O)3](+) with the ligand.

A test of the diathesis-stress model in the emergency department: who develops PTSD after an acute coronary syndrome?

Most acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients first present to the emergency department (ED). Patients who present to overcrowded EDs develop more posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms due to the ACS than do patients who present to less crowded EDs, but no research has indicated whether some patients may be more vulnerable to the effects of ED crowding than others. In an observational cohort study, we tested whether depressed patients developed more ACS-induced PTSD symptoms under conditions of ED overcrowding than patients who had never been depressed.

Prescription drug monitoring and dispensing of prescription opioids.

Objective: In the United States, per-capita opioid dispensing has increased concurrently with analgesic-related mortality and morbidity since the 1990s. To deter diversion and abuse of controlled substances, most states have implemented electronic prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). We evaluated the impact of state PDMPs on opioid dispensing.