Insights into heat treatments of biodegradable Mg-Y-Nd-Zr alloys in clinical settings: Unveiling roles of β' and β nanophases and latent in vivo hydrogen evolution.

Heat treatment serves as a viable strategy to effectively mitigate the intense corrosion of biodegradable WE43 alloys. However, limited comprehension of the passivation mechanisms underlying heat treatment and the dilemma to quantitatively examine the evolution of hydrogen gas in vivo introduce uncertainties in designing heat treatments for developing clinically applicable WE43. This work aims to advance this knowledge by applying cutting-edge atom probe tomography to provide atomic-scale insights into the passivation roles of rare earth (RE)-rich β (Mg(Y, Nd)) and β' (MgNdY) nanophases induced by T6 heat treatment at 250 °C, and employing machine learning-based image analysis techniques to quantitatively unveil WE43's in vivo gas evolution during a 12-week implantation.

A first-in-class dual-chelator theranostic agent designed for use with imaging-therapy radiometal pairs of different elements.

A covalent adduct of DFOB and DOTA separated by a l-lysine residue (DFOB-l-Lys- -DOTA) exhibited remarkable regioselective metal binding, with {H}-C NMR spectral shifts supporting Zr(iv) coordinating to the DFOB unit, and Lu(iii) coordinating to the DOTA unit. This first-in-class, dual-chelator theranostic design could enable the use of imaging-therapy radiometal pairs of different elements, such as Zr for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and Lu for low-energy β-particle radiation therapy. DFOB-l-Lys- -DOTA was elaborated with an amine-terminated polyethylene glycol extender unit (PEG4) to give DFOB- -(PEG4)-l-Lys- -DOTA (compound D2) to enable installation of a phenyl-isothiocyanate group (Ph-NCS) for subsequent monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugation (mAb = HuJ591).

Multifunctional Fluoropolymer-Engineered Magnetic Nanoparticles to Facilitate Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration and Effective Gene Silencing in Medulloblastoma.

Patients with brain cancers including medulloblastoma lack treatments that are effective long-term and without side effects. In this study, a multifunctional fluoropolymer-engineered iron oxide nanoparticle gene-therapeutic platform is presented to overcome these challenges. The fluoropolymers are designed and synthesized to incorporate various properties including robust anchoring moieties for efficient surface coating, cationic components to facilitate short interference RNA (siRNA) binding, and a fluorinated tail to ensure stability in serum.

Positron emission tomography dataset of [C]carbon dioxide storage in coal for geo-sequestration application.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging has demonstrated its capability in providing time-lapse fluid flow visualisation for improving the understanding of flow properties of geologic media. To investigate the process of CO geo-sequestration using PET imaging technology, [C]CO is the most optimal and direct radiotracer. However, it has not been extensively used due to the short half-life of Carbon-11 (20.

Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Fluorinated 5-Azaindoles as CB2 PET Radioligands.

Several classes of cannabinoid receptor type 2 radioligands have been evaluated for imaging of neuroinflammation, with successful clinical translation yet to take place. Here we describe the synthesis of fluorinated 5-azaindoles and pharmacological characterization and evaluation of F-radiolabeled analogues. [F] (hCB2 = 96.

Multiple modes of inference reveal less phylogenetic signal in marsupial basicranial shape compared with the rest of the cranium.

Incorporating morphological data into modern phylogenies allows integration of fossil evidence, facilitating divergence dating and macroevolutionary inferences. Improvements in the phylogenetic utility of morphological data have been sought via Procrustes-based geometric morphometrics (GMM), but with mixed success and little clarity over what anatomical areas are most suitable. Here, we assess GMM-based phylogenetic reconstructions in a heavily sampled source of discrete characters for mammalian phylogenetics-the basicranium-in 57 species of marsupial mammals, compared with the remainder of the cranium.

Utilizing PET and MALDI Imaging for Discovery of a Targeted Probe for Brain Endocannabinoid /-Hydrolase Domain 6 (ABHD6).

Multimodal imaging provides rich biological information, which can be exploited to study drug activity, disease associated phenotypes, and pharmacological responses. Here we show discovery and validation of a new probe targeting the endocannabinoid α/β-hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6) enzyme by utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging. [F]JZP-MA-11 as the first PET ligand for imaging of the ABHD6 is reported and specific uptake in ABHD6-rich peripheral tissues and major brain regions was demonstrated using PET.

Not like night and day: the nocturnal letter-winged kite does not differ from diurnal congeners in orbit or endocast morphology.

Nocturnal birds display diverse adaptations of the visual system to low-light conditions. The skulls of birds reflect many of these and are used increasingly to infer nocturnality in extinct species. However, it is unclear how reliable such assessments are, particularly in cases of recent evolutionary transitions to nocturnality.

In vivo performance of a rare earth free Mg-Zn-Ca alloy manufactured using twin roll casting for potential applications in the cranial and maxillofacial fixation devices.

A magnesium alloy containing essential, non-toxic, biodegradable elements such as Ca and Zn has been fabricated using a novel twin-roll casting process (TRC). Microstructure, mechanical properties, in vivo corrosion and biocompatibility have been assessed and compared to the properties of the rare earth (RE) element containing WE43 alloy. TRC Mg-0.

Rare specimen identification in an un-integrated taxonomy: implications of DNA sequences from a Taiwanese (Mollusca, Philinidae).

Many species of the gastropod genus have been named from northeastern Asia but scanty descriptions based predominantly on shells make it difficult to determine which are valid. This, plus the sporadic anatomical and genetic information available for many of these species has led to what may be described as an un-integrated taxonomy. In this situation, it is generally preferable to postpone dissection of rare and unusual specimens until relevant diagnostic characters can be established in broader studies.

A binge high sucrose diet provokes systemic and cerebral inflammation in rats without inducing obesity.

While the dire cardiometabolic consequences of the hypercaloric modern 'Western' diet are well known, there is not much information on the health impact of a high sucrose diet not inducing weight gain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that rats reared with intermittent binge access to sucrose in addition to normal chow would develop an inflammatory response in brain. To test this hypothesis, we undertook serial PET/MRI scans with the TSPO ligand [F]DPA714 in a group of (n=9) rats at baseline and again after voluntarily consuming 5% sucrose solution three days a week for three months.

Global elongation and high shape flexibility as an evolutionary hypothesis of accommodating mammalian brains into skulls.

Little is known about how the large brains of mammals are accommodated into the dazzling diversity of their skulls. It has been suggested that brain shape is influenced by relative brain size, that it evolves or develops according to extrinsic or intrinsic mechanical constraints, and that its shape can provide insights into its proportions and function. Here, we characterize the shape variation among 84 marsupial cranial endocasts of 57 species including fossils, using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and virtual dissections.

The Impact of Polymer Size and Cleavability on the Intravenous Pharmacokinetics of PEG-Based Hyperbranched Polymers in Rats.

A better understanding of the impact of molecular size and linkers is important for PEG-based hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) intended as tailored drug delivery vehicles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of crosslinker chemistry (cleavable disulphide versus non-cleavable ethylene glycol methacrylate (EGDMA) linkers) and molecular weight within the expected size range for efficient renal elimination (22 vs. 48 kDa) on the intravenous pharmacokinetic and biodistribution properties of Zr-labelled HBPs in rats.

In Vivo Evaluation of Bioabsorbable Fe-35Mn-1Ag: First Reports on In Vivo Hydrogen Gas Evolution in Fe-Based Implants.

This work investigates the influence of Ag (1 wt%) on the mechanical properties, in vitro and in vivo corrosion, and biocompatibility of Fe-35Mn. The microstructure of Fe-35Mn-1Ag possesses a uniform dispersion of discrete silver particles. Slight improvements in compressive properties are attributed to enhanced density and low porosity volume.

GABA receptor density alterations revealed in a mouse model of early moderate prenatal ethanol exposure using [F]AH114726.

Introduction: Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) has been shown to alter the level and function of receptors in the brain, one of which is GABA receptors (GABAR), the major inhibitory ligand gated ion channels that mediate neuronal inhibition. High dose PEE in animals resulted in the upregulation of GABAR, but the effects of low and moderate dose PEE at early gestation have not been investigated. This study aimed at examining GABAR density in the adult mouse brain following PEE during a period equivalent to the first 3 to 4 weeks in human gestation.

Author Correction: The endocast of the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) reveals insights into its sensory ecology and the evolution of nocturnality in birds.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The endocast of the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) reveals insights into its sensory ecology and the evolution of nocturnality in birds.

The Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is a rare, nocturnal parrot species that has largely escaped scientific investigation due to its behaviour and habitat preferences. Recent field studies have revealed some insights into Night Parrot behaviour, but nothing is known of its sensory abilities. Here, we used μCT scans of an intact Night Parrot specimen to determine if its visual system shares similarities with other nocturnal species.

Synthesis and evaluation of 6-[18F]fluoro-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-indole as potential PET tracer for targeting tryptophane 2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO).

Introduction: The increase in expression of tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenases (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) have been reported as potential tumor biomarkers. TDO and IDO are enzymes that catalyze the first and rate-limiting step of the kynurenine pathway. Positron emitting tomography (PET) tracers investigating the kynurenine pathway may allow for the detection of different disease pathologies in vivo including cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Micro-Computed Tomography reveal brain morphological abnormalities in a mouse model of early moderate prenatal ethanol exposure.

Background: This study investigated the effects of early moderate prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) on the brain in a mouse model that mimics a scenario in humans, whereby moderate daily drinking ceases after a woman becomes aware of her pregnancy.

Methods: C57BL/6J pregnant mice were given 10% v/v ethanol from gestational day 0-8 in the drinking water. The male offspring were used for imaging.

Efficient Distribution of a Novel Zirconium-89 Labeled Anti-cd20 Antibody Following Subcutaneous and Intravenous Administration in Control and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis-Variant Mice.

To investigate the imaging and biodistribution of a novel zirconium-89 (Zr)-labeled mouse anti-cd20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in control and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice following subcutaneous (s. c.) and intravenous (i.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of fluorine-18 benzimidazole sulfones as CB2 PET-radioligands.

Cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2) is up-regulated on activated microglial cells and can potentially be used as a biomarker for PET-imaging of neuroinflammation. In this study the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel fluorinated pyridyl and ethyl sulfone analogues of 2-(tert-butyl)-5-((2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)sulfonyl)-1-(2-methylpentyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (rac-1a) are described. In general, the ligands showed low nanomolar potency (CB2 EC < 10 nM) and excellent selectivity over the CB1 subtype (>10 000×).

Synthesis of F-radiolabeled diphenyl gallium dithiosemicarbazone using a novel halogen exchange method and in vivo biodistribution.

F-radiolabeled diphenyl gallium thiosemicarbazone was prepared by [ F] fluoride exchange of a nitrato anion under mild conditions. The diphenyl gallium thiosemicarbazone chloride is easily prepared in gram quantities and can be used at room temperature in the presence of oxygen. The corresponding nitrate complex is prepared using silver nitrate in methanol solvent and can be stored under nitrogen for weeks before radiolabeling.

The functional anatomy of external genitalia in the black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) studied by micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy.

Although artificial insemination has been used for decades in Penaeus monodon aquaculture, the interaction of male and female external genitalia during spermatophore transfer has not been fully documented. As a result, studying the functional anatomy of this process may help to better refine the insemination technique. The sexual act in penaeoid prawns is virtually impossible to observe directly; as a result, this study aimed to describe the functional anatomy and interaction of external genitalia, such as the petasma, appendices masculinae and genital papillae of the male, with that of the thelycum and genital lobes of the female, using a combination of micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy.

Low resolution scans can provide a sufficiently accurate, cost- and time-effective alternative to high resolution scans for 3D shape analyses.

Background: Advances in 3D shape capture technology have made powerful shape analyses, such as geometric morphometrics, more feasible. While the highly accurate micro-computed tomography (µCT) scanners have been the "gold standard," recent improvements in 3D surface scanners may make this technology a faster, portable, and cost-effective alternative. Several studies have already compared the two devices but all use relatively large specimens such as human crania.