[(68)Ga]NODAGA-RGD - Metabolic stability, biodistribution, and dosimetry data from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine safety, tolerability, and radiation burden of a [(68)Ga]NODAGA-RGD-PET for imaging integrin αvβ3 expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis. Moreover, metabolic stability and biokinetic data were compiled.

Methods: After injection of 154-184 MBq [(68)Ga]NODAGA-RGD three consecutive PET/CT scans were acquired starting 8.

Dickkopf-3 regulates prostate epithelial cell acinar morphogenesis and prostate cancer cell invasion by limiting TGF-β-dependent activation of matrix metalloproteases.

Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) is a secreted protein whose expression is downregulated in many types of cancer. Endogenous Dkk-3 is required for formation of acini in 3D cultures of prostate epithelial cells, where it inhibits transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling. Here, we examined the effects of Dkk-3 on the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), which mediate the effects of TGF-β on extracellular matrix disassembly during tissue morphogenesis and promote invasion of tumor cells.

Activators and stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase counteract myofibroblast differentiation of prostatic and dermal stromal cells.

Background: Fibrotic diseases encompass numerous systemic and organ-specific disorders characterized by the development and persistence of myofibroblasts. TGFβ1 is considered the key inducer of fibrosis and drives myofibroblast differentiation in cells of diverse histological origin by a pro-oxidant shift in redox homeostasis associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP signaling. Thus, enhancement of NO/cGMP represents a potential therapeutic strategy to target myofibroblast activation and therefore fibrosis.

Comparison of different blood compartments for the detection of circulating DNA using a rat model of Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Pneumocystis is mostly found in the alveolar spaces, but circulation of viable organisms also occurs and suggests that the detection of DNA in blood could be used as a noninvasive procedure to improve the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP). In order to determine the optimal compartment for Pneumocystis DNA detection, we used a rat model of PcP and tested the presence of Pneumocystis with a quantitative mtLSU targeting real-time PCR in four blood compartments: whole blood, clot, serum and Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP). All samples from 4 Pneumocystis-free control rats were negative.

Breast-feeding Duration: Early Weaning-Do We Sufficiently Consider the Risk Factors?

Objectives: Breast-feeding is the recommended form of nutrition for the first 6 months. This target is unmet, however, in most industrialized regions. We evaluated aspects of breast-feeding in a cohort of mother-baby dyads.

Differential gene expression in Aspergillus fumigatus induced by human platelets in vitro.

Invasive aspergillosis is characterized by vascular invasion and thrombosis. In order to determine the antifungal activity of human platelets, hyphal elongation and metabolic activity of a clinical A. fumigatus isolate were measured.

Interference of mobile phones and digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications mobile phones in renal scintigraphy.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the potential negative impact of cellular phones and digitally enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) devices on the quality of static and dynamic scintigraphy to avoid repeated testing in infant and teenage patients to protect them from unnecessary radiation exposure.

Methods: The assessment was conducted by performing phantom measurements under real conditions. A functional renal-phantom acting as a pair of kidneys in dynamic scans was created.

Interaction of platelets and anidulafungin against Aspergillus fumigatus.

The combination of platelets and anidulafungin at 0.03 μg/ml significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the germination rate and hyphal elongation in Aspergillus fumigatus compared to those with either anidulafungin only or an untreated control.