X-ray-determined structure of the technetium complex [Tc(μ-CO)(NCH)(CO)] revisited: [Tc(μ-OMe)(NCH)(CO)] as the correct formulation.

Some of us reported previously the structure of di-μ-carbonyl-bis[tricarbonyl(pyridine)technetium], [Tc(μ-CO)(CHN)(CO)], as the main product of the reaction of [Tc(CO)] with pyridine at room temperature, using the reagent itself as solvent [Zuhayra et al. (2008). Inorg.

Evaluation of sentinel lymph node localization in malignant melanoma by preoperative semiconductor gamma camera and planar lymphoscintigraphy.

Introduction: Performing lymphoscintigraphy in a separate room, frees up the conventional gamma camera, coupled with the desire to directly localize sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in the operating theatre has led to the development of high-resolution semiconductor-detector based handheld gamma-cameras, CrystalCam.

Methods: This work consists of phantom and clinical studies. For the first part, a Jaszczak phantom with hollow spheres of various volumes were filled with the Tc and the camera's sensitivity was measured at various distances to assess the possibilities and limitations of the device.

PSMA-617 inhibits proliferation and potentiates the Lu-PSMA-617-induced death of human prostate cancer cells.

The human prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is substantially up-regulated in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells. PSMA can be targeted by Lu conjugated to PSMA-617, a high-affinity ligand for the PSMA. The binding of the radioligand, Lu-PSMA-617, results in its internalisation and delivery of β-radiation into the cancer cells.

[Hyperpolarized C magnetic resonance imaging-a window into metabolism : High-resolution images of human metabolism].

Clinical Issue: Despite being one of the main pillars of modern diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses only a tiny fraction of its potential: no more than a millionth of all nuclear spins contribute to the MRI signal. In order to increase this fraction, called polarization, MRI scanners with stronger magnetic fields are being developed. However, even the most modern scanners do not exploit the potential of MRI.

Automated synthesis of [Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 without pre-purification of the generator eluate on three common synthesis modules and two generator types.

Background: The recent development of quinoline-based radiotracers, which act as fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs), has shown promising preclinical and clinical advantages. [Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 is a new radiotracer for in vivo detection of the fibroblast activation protein by positron emission tomography (PET). Recently, the automated synthesis of [Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 was reported based on pre-concentration and purification of the generator eluate by using a cation exchange-cartridge.

Pre- and intratherapeutic predictors of overall survival in patients with advanced metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer receiving Lu-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy.

Background: Systemic Lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen-617 radioligand therapy (Lu-177-PSMA-617-RLT) is a novel treatment approach in patients suffering from metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer. Nonetheless, a therapeutic response may fail to appear in a proportion of patients. This study aims to identify routinely obtainable pre- and intratherapeutic parameters to allow a prediction of overall survival in patients receiving Lu-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy.

[Noninvasive functional lung imaging with hyperpolarized xenon : Breakthrough for diagnostics?].

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technique that provides excellent contrast for soft tissue organs. However, due to the low density of protons and many air-tissue junctions, its application in the lung is limited. Thus, X‑ray-based methods are often used here (with the well-known disadvantages of ionizing radiation).

A simple, reliable and accurate approach for assessing [I]-capsule activity leading to significant reduction of radiation exposure of medical staff during radioiodine therapy.

Purpose: According to German law, the [I]-capsule activity has to be checked in the context of radioiodine therapy (RIT) immediately before application. The measurement leads to significant radiation exposure of the medical personnel, especially of their hands. We aimed to establish a method for estimating [I]-capsule activity by measuring the dose rate (DR) at contact of the delivered lead closed container carrying the [I]-capsules and to evaluate radiation exposure in comparison to conventional [I]-capsule measurement using a dose calibrator.

Photopharmacological Applications for Cherenkov Radiation Generated by Clinically Used Radionuclides.

Translational photopharmacological applications are limited through irradiation by light showing wavelengths within the bio-optical window. To achieve sufficient tissue penetration, using wavelengths >500 nm is mandatory. Nevertheless, the majority of photopharmacological compounds respond to irradiation with more energetic UV light, which shows only a minor depth of tissue penetration in the µm range.

Experimental 177Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in a patient with extended metastasized leiomyosarcoma.

Systemic radionuclide therapy with Lu-PSMA-617 is a novel treatment option in patients with metastasized and castration-resistant prostate cancer 4. The molecular target of the Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy is the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) highly expressed on prostate cancer cells. Beyond the enhanced accumulation of PSMA on prostate cancer cells, PSMA expression is also found on the molecular surface or in the tumor-associated neovasculature of various tumor tissues including sarcomas of the soft tissue 2.

Vedolizumab is associated with changes in innate rather than adaptive immunity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the integrin heterodimer α4β7, is approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The efficacy of vedolizumab has been suggested to result from inhibition of intestinal T cell trafficking although human data to support this conclusion are scarce. We therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of vedolizumab-induced alterations in mucosal and systemic immunity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), using anti-inflammatory therapy with the TNFα antibody infliximab as control.

Evaluation of the diagnostic value of preoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) imaging in penile carcinoma patients without palpable inguinal lymph nodes via single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) as compared to planar scintigraphy.

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy represents a well-established diagnostic tool for the assessment of lymphatic metastasis. Correct pre- and intraoperative visualization of SLN is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety and feasibility of the procedure. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative SLN imaging via single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and planar scintigraphy in patients with penile carcinoma with nonpalpable inguinal lymph nodes.

Activation of the cell membrane angiotensin AT2 receptors in human leiomyosarcoma cells induces differentiation and apoptosis by a PPARγ - dependent mechanism.

Angiotensin II (Ang II), the main effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), acting on AT1 and AT2 receptors participates in the regulation of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in tumour cells. The peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its ligands exert anti-tumour effects in various human cancer cell lines. The present study investigates the effects initiated by AT1- and AT2 receptor stimulation in SK-UT-1 cells, a human leiomyosarcoma cell line, and clarifies the role of the PPARγ in the AT2 receptor-induced differentiation and apoptosis.

Value and efficiency of sentinel lymph node diagnostics in patients with penile carcinoma with palpable inguinal lymph nodes as a new multimodal, minimally invasive approach.

Purpose: The international guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for lymph node staging in penile cancer with non-palpable inguinal lymph nodes (LN) but it is not recommended with palpable inguinal LN. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and morbidity of SLNB in combination with an ultrasound-guided resection of suspect inguinal LNs as a new multimodal, minimally invasive staging approach in these patients.

Methods: We performed SLNB in 26 penile cancer patients with 42 palpable inguinal LNs.

Pharmacologically Inactive Bisphosphonates as an Alternative Strategy for Targeting Osteoclasts: In Vivo Assessment of 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine-Alendronate in a Preclinical Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastases.

Bisphosphonates have effects that are antiresorptive, antitumor, and antiapoptotic to osteoblasts and osteocytes, but an effective means of eliciting these multiple activities in the treatment of bone metastases has not been identified. Antimetabolite-bisphosphonate conjugates have potential for improved performance as a class of bone-specific antineoplastic drugs. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether an antimetabolite-bisphosphonate conjugate will preserve bone formation concomitant with antiresorptive and antitumor activity.

Pioglitazone induces cell growth arrest and activates mitochondrial apoptosis in human uterine leiomyosarcoma cells by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-independent mechanism.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists, thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone (PIO) exhibit anti-tumour activities in cancer cells. The present study investigates the effects of PIO on cell proliferation and apoptosis in SK-UT-1 cells, a human uterine leiomyosarcoma cell line, and human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUtSMC). The proliferation and viability of SK-UT-1 cells treated with vehicle or PIO were assessed by cell counting and WST-1 assay.

10-Year experience regarding the reliability and morbidity of radio guided lymph node biopsy in penile cancer patients and the associated radiation exposure of medical staff in this procedure.

Background: The guidelines of the European Association of Urologists (EAU), of the German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN), and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for lymph node staging in penile cancer with non-palpable inguinal lymph nodes as one diagnostic method. Despite this, the method is neither widely nor regularly applied in Germany - the same applies to many other countries, which may be due to insecurity in dealing with open radioactive tracers. This study aims to assess the reliability and morbidity of this method, as well as the associated radioactive burden for clinical staff.

Effective method of measuring the radioactivity of [ 131I]-capsule prior to radioiodine therapy with significant reduction of the radiation exposure to the medical staff.

Radiation Protection in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radio Oncology is of the utmost importance. Radioiodine therapy is a frequently used and effective method for the treatment of thyroid disease. Prior to each therapy the radioactivity of the [131I]-capsule must be determined to prevent misadministration.

Value and Efficacy of Sentinel Lymph Node Diagnostics in Patients With Penile Carcinoma With Nonpalpable Inguinal Lymph Nodes: Five-Year Follow-up.

Purpose: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been described as a minimally invasive method for lymph node staging in patients with a penile carcinoma and nonpalpable inguinal nodes in national and international guidelines of involved professional societies. However, this method is rarely used. The aim of this study was to validate reliability and morbidity of this method and to discuss radiation exposure of persons involved.

Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of the (99m)Tc labeled human elastase inhibitor, elafin, in rats.

Elafin is a potent reversible inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory proteases leukocyte elastase and protease 3. It is currently in clinical development for the use in postoperative inflammatory diseases. We investigated the pharmacokinetics of (99m)Tc-labeled elafin ((99m)Tc-Elafin) in blood and individual organs in rat after bolus intravenous injection using the single photon emission tomography (SPECT).

Activation of intracellular angiotensin AT₂ receptors induces rapid cell death in human uterine leiomyosarcoma cells.

The presence of angiotensin type 2 (AT₂) receptors in mitochondria and their role in NO generation and cell aging were recently demonstrated in various human and mouse non-tumour cells. We investigated the intracellular distribution of AT₂ receptors including their presence in mitochondria and their role in the induction of apoptosis and cell death in cultured human uterine leiomyosarcoma (SK-UT-1) cells and control human uterine smooth muscle cells (HutSMC). The intracellular levels of the AT₂ receptor are low in proliferating SK-UT-1 cells but the receptor is substantially up-regulated in quiescent SK-UT-1 cells with high densities in mitochondria.

In vivo SPECT imaging of [¹²³I]-labeled pentamidine pro-drugs for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability studies in rats.

Unlabelled: Pentamidine is an effective antiparasitic agent and approved drug for the treatment of African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). However, pentamidine suffers from poor orally bioavailability and lacks central nervous system (CNS) delivery. Therefore its applicability is limited to intravenous or intramuscular treatment of the first stage of the African trypanosomiasis.

Cutting Edge: Immunological consequences and trafficking of human regulatory macrophages administered to renal transplant recipients.

Regulatory macrophages (M regs) were administered to two living-donor renal transplant recipients. Both patients were minimized to low-dose tacrolimus monotherapy within 24 wk of transplantation and subsequently maintained excellent graft function. After central venous administration, most M regs remained viable and were seen to traffic from the pulmonary vasculature via the blood to liver, spleen, and bone marrow.