Antifungal activity of FeO@SiO/Schiff-base/Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles against pathogenic Candida species.

The antifungal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a novel nano-antifungal agent, the FeO@SiO/Schiff-base complex of Cu(II) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), have been assessed for targeting drug-resistant Candida species. Due to the rising issue of fungal infections, especially candidiasis, and resistance to traditional antifungals, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. Utilizing Schiff-base ligands known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the FeO@SiO/Schiff-base/Cu(II) MNPs have been synthesized.

Comparing the role of 99m Tc-HYNIC-PSMA-11 and 99m Tc-MDP scintigraphy for the initial staging of intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer.

Background: Although bone scintigraphy and abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT)/MRI have been the mainstay of initial staging in the intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT imaging provides promising additional value in the initial N/M staging of these patients in recent years. 99m Tc-PSMA scan is a new alternative to PSMA PET tracers with little evidence regarding its diagnostic value in the initial staging of PC.

Methods: This prospective study included 40 patients with newly diagnosed PC with initial intermediate or high-risk features [prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 10 ng/dl, Gleason score ≥7 or stage cT2b and more].

The effect of shear stress on cardiac differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: Stem cell therapy is developing as a valuable therapeutic trend for heart diseases. Most recent studies are aimed to find the most appropriate types of stem cells for the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). The animal models have shown that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a possible, safe, and efficient type of stem cell used in MI.

Evaluating the correlation of serum leptin levels with evidence of coronary artery disease on myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography in suspected coronary artery disease patients.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is currently the most common cause of death worldwide. Several risk factors have been identified for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Leptin is a peptide hormone that acts as a proinflammatory cytokine and has a variety of effects in hemostasis and metabolism such as lipid metabolism, production of glucocorticoid, angiogenesis, etc.

The Effect of Antiseptic on 99mTc-DMSA Scans.

Approximately 30 years ago, it has been suggested that chlorhexidine, which is used as antiseptic, can produce Tc colloid complex during Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) preparation. However, in all cases of liver and spleen uptake in Tc-DMSA scan, it should still be kept in mind because of the introduction of new antiseptic brands with different formulation under various names. Our case is just a sample of this effect, which resulted from application of a new brand of antiseptic by technologists in our center that unintentionally led to low-quality Tc-DMSA scans for a period, and after restrict control of all other confounding factors in the preparation of kit, it was just resolved by changing antiseptic to ethanol.

Preparation and preclinical evaluation of Ga-DOTA-amlodipine for L-type calcium channel imaging.

Aim: In order to develop a possible tracer for L-type calcium channel imaging, we here report the development of a Ga-68 amlodipine derivative for possible PET imaging.

Materials And Methods: Amlodipine DOTA conjugate was synthesized, characterized and went through calcium channel blockade, toxicity, apoptosis/necrosis tests. [Ga] DOTA AMLO was prepared at optimized conditions followed by stability tests, partition coefficient determination and biodistribution studies using tissue counting and co incidence imaging up to 2 h.