Design and development of nanoprobes radiolabelled with Tc for the diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic interventions in oncology preclinical research.

Background: Previous studies employing polymeric micelles and molecular imaging for in vivo nanosystem characterization have led to the development of radionanoprobes (RNPs) designed for diagnosing and monitoring therapeutic interventions in preclinical oncology research, specifically within breast and colon cancer models. These models exhibit high GLUT1 expression on tumor cells and VEGFR expression on the tumor vasculature. We aimed to enhance the tumor-targeting specificity of these RNPs by functionalizing micelles with glucose and bevacizumab.

Dual strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of efavirenz employing nanomicelles and curcumin as a bio-enhancer.

The present investigation was focused on the development of Soluplus®-based nanomicelles (NMs) (10 % w/v) loaded with Efavirenz (EFV) (5 mg/mL) and Curcumin (natural bio-enhancer) (CUR) (5, 10 and 15 mg/mL) to improve the oral bioavalability of EFV. Micellar formulations were obtained employing an acetone-diffusion technique. Apparent aqueous solubility was increased up to ∼1250-fold and 25,000-fold for EFV and CUR, respectively.

Highlight selection of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy developments by editorial board.

Background: The Editorial Board of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry releases a biannual highlight commentary to update the readership on trends in the field of radiopharmaceutical development.

Main Body: This selection of highlights provides commentary on 21 different topics selected by each coauthoring Editorial Board member addressing a variety of aspects ranging from novel radiochemistry to first-in-human application of novel radiopharmaceuticals.

Conclusion: Trends in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy are highlighted.

Oxidative metabolism in the cardiorespiratory system after an acute exposure to nickel-doped nanoparticles in mice.

There is an increasing concern over the harmful effects that metallic nanoparticles (NP) may produce on human health. Due to their redox properties, nickel (Ni) and Ni-containing NP are particularly relevant. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish the toxicological mechanisms in the cardiorespiratory oxidative metabolism initiated by an acute exposure to Ni-doped-NP.

Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus Is Associated with P-Glycoprotein Induction in Cardiomyocytes, Electrocardiographic Changes, and Sudden Death.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the major cause of death in those patients suffering from refractory epilepsy (RE), with a 24-fold higher risk relative to the normal population. SUDEP risk increases with seizure frequency and/or seizure-duration as in RE and Status Epilepticus (SE). P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the multidrug resistant gene, is a detoxifying pump that extrudes drugs out of the cells and can confer pharmacoresistance to the expressing cells.

and corpus gastric pathology are associated with lower serum ghrelin.

Aim: To evaluate the association of (), genotype, and type of gastric pathology with ghrelin, leptin and nutritional status.

Methods: Fasted dyspeptic adults (18-70 years) referred for an upper digestive endoscopy were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Height and weight were assessed for body mass index (BMI) calculation.

Mixed micelles for encapsulation of doxorubicin with enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity on breast and ovarian cancer cell lines versus Doxil.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used as a "first-line" antineoplastic drug in ovarian and metastatic breast cancer. However, serious side effects, such as cardiotoxicity have been reported after DOX intravenous administration. Hence, we investigated different micelle-former biomaterials, as Soluplus, Pluronic F127, Tetronic T1107 and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) to develop a potential mixed micellar nanocarrier for DOX delivery.

A glucose-targeted mixed micellar formulation outperforms Genexol in breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer represents the top cancer among women, accounting 521.000 deaths per year. Development of targeted nanomedicines to breast cancer tissues represents a milestone to reduce chemotherapy side effects.

Polymeric mixed micelles as nanomedicines: Achievements and perspectives.

During the past few decades, polymeric micelles have raised special attention as novel nano-sized drug delivery systems for optimizing the treatment and diagnosis of numerous diseases. These nanocarriers exhibit several in vitro and in vivo advantages as well as increased stability and solubility to hydrophobic drugs. An interesting approach for optimizing these properties and overcoming some of their disadvantages is the combination of two or more polymers in order to assemble polymeric mixed micelles.

Radiolabeling and biological characterization of TPGS-based nanomicelles by means of small animal imaging.

Introduction: In recent years, nanomedicines have raised as a powerful tool to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different pathologies. Among the most well investigated biomaterials, D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (also known as TPGS) has been on the spot for the last decade. We therefore designed a method to biologically characterize TPGS-based nanomicelles by labeling them with Tc.

Hepato and Cardiotoxicity of Chemotherapeutic Treatment Evaluated by Means of Small Animal Imaging.

Background: Chemotherapy is one of the most common approaches for cancer treatment. Particularly Doxorubicin has been proven to be effective in the treatment of many soft and solid tumors for locally advanced and metastatic cancer. It is not easy to clinically evaluate the chemotoxic or chemoprotective effect of some drugs, even more when there is a subclinical toxicity.

Dietary and anthropometric indicators of nutritional status in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection in a paediatric population.

It has been postulated that Helicobacter pylori infection could affect growth and appetite, consequently influencing body weight. Therefore, the association between H. pylori infection and the dietary and anthropometric indicators of nutritional status of a paediatric population were investigated.

Radioactivity decontamination of materials commonly used as surfaces in general-purpose radioisotope laboratories.

Unlabelled: In accord with as-low-as-reasonably-achievable and good-manufacturing-practice concepts, the present study evaluated the efficiency of radioactivity decontamination of materials commonly used in laboratory surfaces and whether solvent spills on these materials affect the findings.

Methods: Four materials were evaluated: stainless steel, a surface comprising one-third acrylic resin and two-thirds natural minerals, an epoxy cover, and vinyl-based multipurpose flooring. Radioactive material was eluted from a (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generator, and samples of the surfaces were control-contaminated with 37 MBq (100 μL) of this eluate.

Validation of an alternative radiochemical purity method for [99mTc]pentetate ([99mTc]DTPA).

[(99m)Tc]pentetate ([(99m)Tc]DTPA) is the most commonly used radiopharmaceutical renography agent. The aim of this work was to validate an alternative method for assessing [(99m)Tc]DTPA radiochemical purity (RCP), according to the ICH Q2(R1) guidance: "Validation of Analytical Procedures". The proposed method is composed of two chromatographic systems.

Validation of a paper chromatographic methodology as an alternative for determination of the radiochemical purity of Na18F.

Unlabelled: The aim of the present work was to validate a paper chromatography system as an alternative way to determine the radiochemical purity of Na(18)F.

Methods: The evaluated parameters were specificity, limit of quantification, measurement interval, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness.

Results: The proposed method proved to be linear (P > 0.

Decreasing trend of Helicobacter pylori infection in children with gastrointestinal symptoms from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is declining in developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate over an 8-year period the rate of H. pylori infection in children with gastrointestinal symptoms from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Novel gastric helicobacters and oral campylobacters are present in captive and wild cetaceans.

The mammalian gastric and oral mucosa may be colonized by mixed Helicobacter and Campylobacter species, respectively, in individual animals. To better characterize the presence and distribution of Helicobacter and Campylobacter among marine mammals, we used PCR and 16S rDNA sequence analysis to examine gastric and oral samples from ten dolphins (Tursiops gephyreus), one killer whale (Orcinus orca), one false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), and three wild La Plata river dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei). Helicobacter spp.

Iron, zinc, and copper nutritional status in children infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Objective: : Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa of about half of the world's population and it has been related to extragastrointestinal diseases. The present study sought to evaluate the association between H pylori infection and iron, zinc, and copper nutritional status in symptomatic children.

Patients And Methods: : A cross-sectional study was carried out in 395 children (4-16 years) with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, who were tested for H pylori infection by the C-urea breath test.

Radioactive treatment of a murine melanoma using a (32)P-patch.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of a (32)P-patch in the treatment of a murine melanoma.

Materials And Methods: Thirty male C57BL6 mice were divided into two groups: treated and control. Superficial tumors were induced in both groups by injecting B16F1 melanoma at about 10 cells/mouse subcutaneously.

Bioevaluation of 32P patch designed for the treatment of skin diseases.

Objective: The objective of this study was to design and evaluate a 32P patch for the treatment of skin diseases.

Materials And Methods: The patch was prepared from chromic phosphate 32P and silicone. Bioelimination and biodistribution in healthy and treated animals, and the therapeutic efficacy of two treatment schemes (single dose and fractionated dose) in an animal model of skin cancer were studied.

Bioavailability studies of stabilized iron (II) sulfate by means of the prophylactic-preventive method.

The bioavailability of stabilized ferrous sulfate was studied by means of the prophylactic-preventive test in rats. For comparative purposes, ferrous sulfate was used as reference standard. The test was performed in male weaned rats during 3 weeks, which were randomized into three groups of ten animals each.

Factors associated with H. pylori epidemiology in symptomatic children in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Aim: To determine prevalence of H pylori infection in symptomatic children in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and to investigate factors associated with H pylori positivity.

Methods: A total of 395 children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms referred to the Gastroenterology Unit of the Children Hospital "Sor Maria Ludovica" were evaluated for the presence of H pylori by the (13)C-Urea Breath Test ((13)C-UBT). A questionnaire was applied to the recruited population.

Effect of a probiotic food as an adjuvant to triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in children.

Objective: Current recommendations for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection include a proton pump inhibitor in combination with two antibiotics. We evaluated the potential activity of a probiotic food as an adjuvant to antibiotic triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection in children from Buenos Aires, Argentina.