Shape Evolution of Precipitate Membranes in Flow Systems.

Chemical gardens are macroscopic structures that form when a salt seed is submerged in an alkaline solution. Their thin precipitate membranes separate the reactant partners and slow down the approach toward equilibrium. During this stage, a gradual thickening occurs, which is driven by steep cross-membrane gradients and governed by selective ion transport.

Nitisinone causes acquired tyrosinosis in alkaptonuria.

For over two decades, nitisinone (NTBC) has been successfully used to manipulate the tyrosine degradation pathway and save the lives of many children with hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1. More recently, NTBC has been used to halt homogentisic acid accumulation in alkaptonuria (AKU) with evidence suggesting its efficacy as a disease modifying agent. NTBC-induced hypertyrosinaemia has been associated with cognitive impairment and potentially sight-threatening keratopathy.

Tripodal tris(hydroxypyridinone) ligands for immunoconjugate PET imaging with (89)Zr(4+): comparison with desferrioxamine-B.

Due to its long half-life (78 h) and decay properties (77% electron capture, 23% β(+), Emax = 897 keV, Eav = 397 keV, Eγ = 909 keV, Iγ = 100%) (89)Zr is an appealing radionuclide for immunoPET imaging with whole IgG antibodies. Derivatives of the siderophore desferrioxamine-B (H3DFO) are the most widely used bifunctional chelators for coordination of (89)Zr(4+) because the radiolabeling of the resulting immunoconjugates is rapid under mild conditions. (89)Zr-DFO complexes are reportedly stable in vitro but there is evidence that (89)Zr(4+) is released in vivo, and subsequently taken up by the skeleton.

Comparison of (64)Cu-complexing bifunctional chelators for radioimmunoconjugation: labeling efficiency, specific activity, and in vitro/in vivo stability.

High radiolabeling efficiency, preferably to high specific activity, and good stability of the radioimmunoconjugate are essential features for a successful immunoconjugate for imaging or therapy. In this study, the radiolabeling efficiency, in vitro stability, and biodistribution of immunoconjugates with eight different bifunctional chelators labeled with (64)Cu were compared. The anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab, was conjugated to four macrocyclic bifunctional chelators (p-SCN-Bn-DOTA, p-SCN-Bn-Oxo-DO3A, p-SCN-NOTA, and p-SCN-PCTA), three DTPA derivatives (p-SCN-Bn-DTPA, p-SCN-CHX-A″-DTPA, and ITC-2B3M-DTPA), and a macrobicyclic hexamine (sarcophagine) chelator (sar-CO2H) = (1-NH2-8-NHCO(CH2)3CO2H)sar where sar = sarcophagine = 3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo[6.

Preparedness of newly qualified midwives to deliver clinical care: an evaluation of pre-registration midwifery education through an analysis of key events.

Objective: this study was part of a larger project commissioned to ascertain whether midwife teachers bring a unique contribution to the preparation of midwives for practice. The aim of this phase was to determine whether the student midwives' educational programme had equipped them to practise competently after entry to the professional register.

Design: this was a prospective, longitudinal qualitative study, using participant diaries to collect data.

Reasons for non-attendance at cervical screening.

Many women are anxious about cervical screening. The receipt of an abnormal result causes high levels of distress. Cervical screening uptake can be improved by the provision of information, sensitive communication and consideration of a woman's health beliefs.

Conjugation of chelating agents to proteins and radiolabeling with trivalent metallic isotopes.

Peptides and proteins may be tagged with metallic elements in order to use them as imaging reporters or for other applications. The polypeptide of interest is first conjugated to a suitable chelating agent that forms stable complexes with the element of interest. This conjugation step is undertaken either in aqueous or in non-aqueous conditions depending on the solubility of the substrate.

The effect on radiochemical purity of modifications to the method of preparation and dilution of 99mTc-sestamibi.

Background: 99mTc-sestamibi is a useful radiopharmaceutical for myocardial perfusion imaging, parathyroid imaging and breast tumour imaging. However, the preparation is time consuming and the limit of 3 ml on the volume of liquid that can be added to the Cardiolite kit vial means that it is often difficult to draw up small doses for patient studies.

Aim: To modify the method of preparation of 99mTc-sestamibi in order to reduce the preparation time and to give a preparation which is more convenient for withdrawing patient doses.