Bigels-oleocolloid matrices-as probiotic protective systems in yogurt.

The probiotic yogurt market is strong because of the potential benefits that probiotics provide to the host, such as relieving lactose intolerance symptoms, easing diarrhea, and improving the immune system. However, probiotics are sensitive to processing conditions and the high acidity of yogurt can reduce survival of probiotics and limit yogurt shelf life. Here, oleocolloid technology (bigels) was used to improve the survival of probiotics during yogurt shelf life.

A longitudinal F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) and F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) study in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout rats fed with a Western diet.

Background: Inflammation and vascular calcification are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but their relationship is still under investigation. This longitudinal study aimed to monitor inflammation and calcification during the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE) rats by F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) and F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Methods: In the ApoE group, male ApoE rats were fed a high-fat Western diet from 13 weeks of age, and in the normal group, male SD rats of the same age were fed a normal diet.

Graphdiyne nanosheets as a platform for accurate copper(ii) ion detection click chemistry and fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

A novel sensing platform for sensitive detection of copper(ii) ions (Cu) in living cells and body fluids was developed by taking advantage of the excellent fluorescence quenching ability of graphdiyne (GDY) and the high specificity of click chemistry for the first time.

Intravenous transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells reduces neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation has emerged as a promising therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. In the present study, we explored the possible mechanisms of OECs transplantation underlying neuroinflammation modulation. Spinal cord inflammation after intravenous OEC transplantation was detected and by translocator protein PET tracer [F]F-DPA.

Plasma Erythropoietin, IL-17A, and IFNγ as Potential Biomarkers of Motor Function Recovery in a Canine Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disease for which an accurate, cost-effective prediction of motor function recovery is in pressing need. A plethora of neurochemical changes involved in the pathophysiological process of SCI may serve as a new source of biomarkers for patient outcomes. Five dogs were included in this study.

Intravenous transplantation of olfactory bulb ensheathing cells for a spinal cord hemisection injury rat model.

Cellular transplantation strategies utilizing intraspinal or intrathecal olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have been reported as beneficial for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there are many disadvantages of these methods, including additional trauma to the spinal cord parenchyma and technical challenges. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of intravenous transplantation of OECs in a rat hemisection SCI model.

Noninvasive Assessment of Carotid Plaques Calcification by F-Sodium Fluoride Accumulation: Correlation with Pathology.

Backgroud: Vascular calcification is currently recognized as an important pathobiological process in atherosclerosis, but the mechanism remains elusive. Given the similarities in vascular calcification and bone formation, F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) is now considered a novel marker of vascular calcification. This study aimed to correlate F-NaF accumulation with the histological characterization of vascular calcification in carotid plaques.

Tc-labeled rHuEpo for imaging of the erythropoietin receptor in tumors.

To analyze erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) status in tumors, recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) was labeled with Tc by Tc-centered 1-pot synthesis, resulting in high radiochemical purity, stability, and biological activity. Both in vitro cell culture experiments and biodistribution studies of normal rats demonstrated successful EpoR targeting. The biodistribution of labeled rHuEpo in a NCI-H1975 xenograft model showed tumor accumulation (tumor-to-muscle ratio, 4.

Primary Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma on Dual-Time Point FDG PET/CT Imaging.

A 59-year-old man presented cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath for 2 weeks and fever for 4 days. A contrast chest CT revealed a large right pulmonary artery filling defect, suggestive of pulmonary embolism that failed to respond to anticoagulation therapy. FDG PET/CT was performed to evaluate possible malignancy, which revealed intense activity in the right main pulmonary artery without any extrathoracic abnormality.

Cationic Nanoparticles Assembled from Natural-Based Steroid Lipid for Improved Intracellular Transport of siRNA and pDNA.

Developing new functional biomaterials from biocompatible natural-based resources for gene/drug delivery has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this work, we prepared a series of cationic nanoparticles (Diosarg-DOPE NPs) by assembly of a natural steroid diosgenin-based cationic lipid (Diosarg) with commercially-available helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorethanolamine (DOPE). These cationic Diosarg-DOPE NPs were able to efficiently bind siRNA and plasmid DNA (pDNA) via electrostatic interactions to form stable, nano-sized cationic lipid nanoparticles instead of lamellar vesicles in aqueous solution.

Ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on a pyrene derivative and quantification detection of heparin in aqueous solution and serum.

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on pyrene was designed for selective detection of heparin in HEPES (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer and serum sample. Pyrene and long-chain alkanes were linked through bisquaternary functionality in the sensor which could interact with heparin via supramolecular assembly. A ratiometric fluorescent signal change of the sensor can be observed because of the specific monomer-excimer conversion of pyrene which is modulated by the supramolecular self-assembly of sensor and heparin.

Reversible fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of mercapto biomolecules.

A coumarin-derived complex, Hg(2)L(2), was reported as a highly sensitive and selective probe for the detection of mercapto biomolecules in aqueous solution. The addition of Cys to a 99% aqueous solution of Hg(2)L(2) resulted in rapid and remarkable fluorescence OFF-ON (emission at 525 nm) due to the ligand-exchange reaction of Cys with L coordinated to Hg(2+). The increased fluorescence can be completely quenched by Hg(2+) and recovered again by the subsequent addition of Cys.

A novel fluoride ion colorimetric chemosensor based on coumarin.

A novel visible colorimetric sensor (L1) with high selectivity for fluoride ion based on coumarin has been synthesized by a simple modification of our earlier report. The chemosensor L1 shows an obvious color change from yellow to blue upon addition of fluoride ion with a large red shift of 145 nm in acetonitrile, and without interference of other anions such as Cl-, Br-, I-, NO3-, H2PO4-, HSO4-, and AcO-. The investigation of 1H NMR spectrum titration indicates the proposed mechanism is that F- first establishes a hydrogen bonding interaction with L1, and then the formation of [F-H-F]- induces deprotonation.

Enzyme sensing based on a controllable oxidation reaction.

We developed a new method for glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme sensing via a metal-controlled spontaneous oxidation reaction. A new complex HgL, composed of 3-benzothiazoliny-7-N,N-diethylaminocoumarin (L) and HgCl2, was used as an example for illustration. It was found that ligand L was released from complex HgL by a ligand exchange process in the presence of GSH, which was enzymatic reduced from GSSG in the presence of NADH.

A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for thiols and its bioimaging applications.

A naphthalimide-based colorimetric fluorescent probe containing a disulfide group was designed and synthesized, which could detect the physiological level of GSH quantitatively by a ratiometric fluorescence method and was successfully applied to the imaging of thiols in living HeLa cells.

Highly selective recognition of carbenicillin via concerted interactions in 100% aqueous solution.

A fluorescent probe (QA) based on quinine bearing two quaternary ammonium groups and a long hydrophobic chain was synthesized, and it showed highly selective recognition of carbenicillin (a typical beta-lactam antibiotic) in 100% aqueous solution via concerted interactions.

Highly selective and sensitive heparin probing from supramolecular assembly of pyrene derivatives.

A new quinine derivative PQ, bearing pyrenyl as a fluorophore, was prepared to recognize heparin in aqueous solution. PQ exhibits good selectivity and sensitivity for heparin over other biological molecules. Upon binding with heparin, PQ shows a typical excimer emission peaked at 489 nm along with a weak monomer emission at 376 nm.

Fluorescence turn on of coumarin derivatives by metal cations: a new signaling mechanism based on C=N isomerization.

[reaction: see text] A new sensing mechanism based on C=N isomerization, which shows a very significant fluorescence enhancement to the metal cations in a simple and efficient way, is demonstrated. A coumarin derivative (L) containing a C=N group was designed as an example for illustration. The free ligand L is almost nonfluorescent due to the isomerization of C=N double bond in the excited state.