Effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for cognitive improvement on Alzheimer's disease quantified via PET imaging of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1.

Introduction: Electro-acupuncture (EA) has demonstrated potential in improving mild-to-moderate dementia in clinics, but the underlying scientific target remains unclear.

Methods: EA was administered to APP/PS1 Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice, with untreated AD, and wild type (WT) mice serving as controls. The efficacy of EA was assessed by the Morris water maze cognitive functional tests.

A Highly Sustainable Supramolecular Bioplastic Film with Superior Hydroplasticity and Biodegradability.

Massive accumulation of postconsumer plastic waste in eco-system has raised growing environmental concerns. Sustainable end-of-life managements of the indispensable plastic are highly demanding and challenging in modern society. To relieve the plastic menace, herein we present a full life cycle sustainable supramolecular bioplastic made from biomass-derived polyelectrolyte (chitosan quaternary ammonium salt, QCS) and natural sodium fatty acid (sodium laurate, SL) through solid-phase molecular self-assembly (SPMSA), by which the QCS-SL complexes, precipitated from mixing the aqueous solutions, self-assemble to form bioplastic film by mildly pressing at room temperature.

Increased Cerebral Level of P2X7R in a Tauopathy Mouse Model by PET Using [F]GSK1482160.

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathies. The aim of the current study was to map [F]GSK1482160 for imaging of purinergic P2X7R in Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathy mouse models. Small animal PET was performed using [F]GSK1482160 in widely used mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (APP/PS1, 5×FAD, and 3×Tg), 4-repeat tauopathy (rTg4510) mice, and age-matched wild-type mice.

Synthesis and Evaluation of [Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn for PET Imaging of Transferrin Receptor 1 Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

As recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cause of death among patients with NPC, there is an urgent clinical need for the development of precision diagnosis to guide personalized treatment. Recent emerging evidence substantiates the increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (also known as cluster of differentiation 71, CD71) within tumor tissues and the inherent targeting capability of natural heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) toward CD71. This study aimed to synthesize and assess a radiotracer ([Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn) designed to target CD71 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in an NPC tumor-bearing mouse model.

Chitosan -NH derived efficient CoO catalyst for styrene catalytic oxidation: Simultaneously regulating particle size and Co valence.

In this study, a CoO catalyst is synthesised using the chitosan-assisted sol-gel method, which simultaneously regulates the grain size, Co valence and surface acidity of the catalyst through a chitosan functional group. The complexation of the free -NH complex inhibits particle agglomeration; thus, the average particle size of the catalyst decreases from 82 to 31 nm. Concurrently, Raman spectroscopy, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments demonstrate that doping with chitosan N sources effectively modulates Co to promote the formation of oxygen vacancies.

Ankylosing spondylitis PET imaging and quantifications via P2X7 receptor-targeting radioligand [F]GSK1482160.

Purpose: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial spine; however, the quantitative detection of inflammation in AS remains a challenge in clinical settings. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a specific P2X7R-targeting F-labeled tracer [F]GSK1482160 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and the quantification of AS.

Methods: The radioligand [F]GSK1482160 was obtained based on nucleophilic aliphatic substitution.

In situ fluorescence-photoacoustic measurement of the changes of brown adipose tissue in mice under hindlimb unloading.

Space travel causes rapid weight loss of astronauts, but the underlying reasons are still obscure. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a well-known thermogenesis tissue that is innervated by sympathetic nerves, and norepinephrine stimulation can promote the thermogenesis and angiogenesis of BAT. Herein, the structural and physiological changes of BAT as well as serological indicators were investigated in mice under hindlimb unloading (HU) to simulate a weightless environment in space.

Evaporative Crystallization of Simvastatin from Different Solutions Using Mid-Frequency Raman Difference Spectra Explanations.

Amorphous simvastatin (amorphous SIM) and Form I of SIM were prepared separately from SIM acetone (AC)/ethyl acetate (ETAC)/ethanol (ET) solutions by simply controlling the solvent evaporation rate, and the kinetic formation of amorphous SIM from SIM AC/ETAC/ET solutions was explained using mid-frequency Raman difference spectra analysis. The mid-frequency Raman difference spectra analysis results indicate that the amorphous phase has close connections with solutions and might be the bridge, playing an important role in the intermediate phase, between solutions and their outcome polymorphs.

The role of (F)-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the surveillance of abnormal myocardial energy metabolism and cardiac dysfunction in a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility and usefulness of 2-deoxy-2-(F)-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography [(F)-FDG PET/CT] as a novel examination in the surveillance of abnormal myocardial energy metabolism and cardiac dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods: Thirteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group (n = 4), CPR group (n = 4), and trimetazidine (TMZ) + CPR group (n = 5). The expression levels of the myocardial injury marker cardiac troponin I (CTNI) in serum were tested at 6 hours after CPR or TMZ + CPR.

Activated Microglia in the Early Stage of a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease: Revealed by PET-MRI Imaging by [F]DPA-714 Targeting TSPO.

In the past decades, translocator protein (TSPO) has been considered as an biomarker to measure the presence of neuroinflammatory reactions. In this study, expression of TSPO was quantified via [F]DPA-714 positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) to investigate the effects of microglial activation associated with motor behavioral impairments in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated rodent model of Parkinson's disease (PD). [F]FDG PET-MRI (for non-specific inflammation), [F]D-FP-(+)-DTBZ PET-MRI (for damaged dopaminergic (DA) neurons), post-PET immunofluorescence, and Pearson's correlation analyses were also performed.

Formation of Size-Controllable Tetragonal Nanoprisms by Crystallization-Directed Ionic Self-Assembly of Anionic Porphyrin and PEO-Containing Triblock Cationic Copolymer.

The creation of anisotropic nanostructures with precise size control is desirable for new properties and functions, but it is challenging for ionic self-assembly (ISA) because of the non-directional electrostatic interactions. Herein, the formation of size-controllable tetragonal nanoprisms is reported via crystallization-directed ionic self-assembly (CDISA) through evaporating a micellar solution on solid substrates. First, ISA is designed with a crystalline polyethylene oxide (PEO) containing cationic polymer poly(2-(2-guanidinoethoxy)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ethyleneoxide)-b-poly(2-(2-guanidinoethoxy)-ethylmethacrylate) (PG -PEO -PG ) and an anionic 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS) to form micelles in aqueous solution.

PET Imaging of P2X7 Receptor (P2X7R) for Neuroinflammation with Improved Radiosynthesis of Tracer in Mice and Non-human Primates.

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a key neuroinflammation target in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Improved radiosynthesis was developed according to the previously reported P2X7R antagonist GSK1482160. Biodistribution, radiometabolite, and dynamic positron emission tomography/computed tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET/CT-MRI) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) rat model and the transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) revealed a stable, low uptake of in the brain of healthy rats but a higher standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) in LPS-treated rats (1.

Evaluation of changes in the cognitive function of adult cynomolgus monkeys under stress induced by audio-visual stimulation by applying modified finger maze test.

Stress in life is ubiquitous and unavoidable. Prolonged exposure to severe stress can lead to physical intolerance and impair cognitive function. Non-human primates are considered to be the best animal model for studying cognitive function, especially memory and attention.

Surface Hydrophobization Provides Hygroscopic Supramolecular Plastics Based on Polysaccharides with Damage-Specific Healability and Room-Temperature Recyclability.

Supramolecular materials with room-temperature healability and recyclability are highly desired because they can extend materials lifetimes and reduce resources consumption. Most approaches toward healing and recycling rely on the dynamically reversible supramolecular interactions, such as hydrogen, ionic and coordinate bonds, which are hygroscopic and vulnerable to water. The general water-induced plasticization facilitates the healing and reprocessing process but cause a troubling problem of random self-adhesion.

The imaging quantification of multiple organs by dynamic F-FDG PET/CT in discharged COVID-19 patients: A prospective pilot study.

To early identify abnormal lesions by applying the F-FDG PET dynamic modeling approach for discharged patients recovering from COVID-19. Seven discharged COVID-19 patients (COVID-19 group), twelve healthy volunteers (control group 1), and eight cancer patients with normal pulmonary function (control group 2) were prospectively enrolled. Control group 1 completed static F-FDG PET/CT only; COVID-19 group and control group 2 completed 60-min dynamic F-FDG PET/CT.

Fabrication of Graphene-Modified Styrene-Acrylic Emulsion by In Situ Aqueous Polymerization.

With the aim of developing green coatings, styrene-acrylic emulsion has been widely used in architectural coatings due to its excellent environmental protection and energy conservation. Nevertheless, the lack of water and oxygen resistance of water-based styrofoam coatings has promoted various nanomaterials being studied for modification. To improve the performance of waterborne styrofoam coating, we introduced the graphene nanopowder and expected to enable it with the function of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to reduce the damage of electromagnetic radiation.

Hetero-aryl bromide precursor fluorine-18 radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [F]GSK1482160.

The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), an ATP gated ion channel, is an important therapeutic target for various inflammatory immune and neurodegenerative diseases. A novel P2X7R targeting radiotracer GSK1482160 was radiosynthesized by hetero-aryl bromides precursor 10 with [F]EtNF, 20-30 % radiochemical yield, > 68 GBq/μmol specific activity, >98 % radiochemical purity. Evaluation in healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats revealed that [F]GSK1482160 ([F]11) was stably retained 87.

A Positron Emission Tomography Tracer Targeting the S2 Subunit of SARS-CoV-2 in Extrapulmonary Infections.

Tracking the pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in live subjects may help estimate the spatiotemporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 infection . This study developed a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer of the S2 subunit of spike (S) protein for imaging SARS-CoV-2. A pan-coronavirus inhibitor, EK1 peptide, was synthesized and radiolabeled with copper-64 after being conjugated with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triyl-triacetic acid (NOTA).

Physical Insight into the Conditions Required in the Solid-Phase Molecular Self-Assembly of SDS Revealed by Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Molecular self-assembled materials have attracted considerable interest in recent years. As part of the efforts to overcome the shortcoming that the solution-based methods were hardly applicable in preparing bulk macroscopic molecular self-assemblies, Yan [ 2020, 2, 98-106] developed a strategy of solid-phase molecular self-assembly (SPMSA) that allows scaling up the generation of massive supramolecular films. It is highly desired to understand the physical insight into the SPMSA at a molecular level.

Application of Dynamic F-FDG PET/CT for Distinguishing Intrapulmonary Metastases from Synchronous Multiple Primary Lung Cancer.

It has been a big challenge to distinguish synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (sMPLC) from primary lung cancer with intrapulmonary metastases (IPM). We aimed to assess the clinical application of dynamic F-FDG PET/CT in patients with multiple lung cancer nodules. We enrolled patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who had undergone dynamic F-FDG PET/CT and divided them into sMPLC and IPM groups based on comprehensive features.

[Effect of Notch1 on extracellular matrix deposition in the renal tubulointerstitium of diabetes].

The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of Notch1 and autophagy on extracellular matrix deposition in renal tubulointerstitium of diabetes and to explore the mechanism. The mice were randomly divided into normal control group (db/m mice) and diabetes group (db/db mice). After 12 weeks of feeding, the mice were sacrificed and the corresponding biochemical indexes were measured.

Evaluation of [F]F-TZ3108 for PET Imaging of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Purpose: Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R), a chaperone that resides at the mitochondrion-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, is an ER stress biomarker. It is thought that ER stress plays a critical role in the progression of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [F]F-TZ3108 targeting Sig-1R for MAFLD.