Gram Of Tissue Research Articles

Automatic radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of 18F-AlF-PSMA-NF as a potential PET probe for prostate cancer imaging.

Facile automatic production is important for the application of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) tracers in clinical practice. We developed a new 18F-AlF-labelled PSMA probe-18F-AlF-PSMA-NF-and explore its automated production method and potential value in clinical settings. 18F-AlF-PSMA-NF was prepared using an automated method with dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent in a positron emission tomography (PET)-MF-2V-IT-I synthesizer. Tracer characteristics were examined both in vitro and in vivo. Micro-PET/computed tomography (CT) was performed to investigate the utility of 18F-AlF-PSMA-NF for imaging PSMA-positive tumours in vivo. 18F-AlF-PSMA-NF was prepared automatically within 35min with a non-attenuation correction yield of 37.9 ± 11.2%. The tracer was hydrophilic, had a high affinity for PSMA (Kd = 2.58 ± 0.81nM), and showed stability in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. In the cellular experiments, 18F-AlF-PSMA-NF uptake in PSMA-positive LNCaP cells was significantly higher than that in PSMA-negative PC-3 cells (P < 0.001), and could be blocked by excess ZJ-43-a PSMA inhibitor (P < 0.001). LNCaP tumours were clearly visualized by 18F-AlF-PSMA-NF on micro-PET/CT, with a high level of uptake (13.72 ± 2.01 percent injected dose per gram of tissue [%ID/g]) and high tumour/muscle ratio (close to 50:1). The PSMA-positive LNCaP tumours had a significantly higher uptake than PSMA-negative PC-3 tumours (13.72 ± 2.01%ID/g vs. 1.07 ± 0.48%ID/g, t = 10.382, P < 0.001), and could be blocked by ZJ-43 (13.72 ± 2.01%ID/g vs. 2.77 ± 1.44%ID/g, t = 8.14, P < 0.001). A new 18F-AlF-labelled PSMA probe-18F-AlF-PSMA-NF-was successfully developed and can be prepared automatically. It has the biological characteristics resembling that of a PSMA-based probe and can potentially be used in clinical settings.

Proteome-Wide Analysis of Heat-Stress in Pinus radiata Somatic Embryos Reveals a Combined Response of Sugar Metabolism and Translational Regulation Mechanisms.

Somatic embryogenesis is the process by which bipolar structures with no vascular connection with the surrounding tissue are formed from a single or a group of vegetative cells, and in conifers it can be divided into five different steps: initiation, proliferation, maturation, germination and acclimatization. Somatic embryogenesis has long been used as a model to study the mechanisms regulating stress response in plants, and recent research carried out in our laboratory has demonstrated that high temperatures during initial stages of conifer somatic embryogenesis modify subsequent phases of the process, as well as the behavior of the resulting plants ex vitro. The development of high-throughput techniques has facilitated the study of the molecular response of plants to numerous stress factors. Proteomics offers a reliable image of the cell status and is known to be extremely susceptible to environmental changes. In this study, the proteome of radiata pine somatic embryos was analyzed by LC-MS after the application of high temperatures during initiation of embryonal masses [(23°C, control; 40°C (4 h); 60°C (5 min)]. At the same time, the content of specific soluble sugars and sugar alcohols was analyzed by HPLC. Results confirmed a significant decrease in the initiation rate of embryonal masses under 40°C treatments (from 44 to 30.5%) and an increasing tendency in the production of somatic embryos (from 121.87 to 170.83 somatic embryos per gram of embryogenic tissue). Besides, heat provoked a long-term readjustment of the protein synthesis machinery: a great number of structural constituents of ribosomes were increased under high temperatures, together with the down-regulation of the enzyme methionine-tRNA ligase. Heat led to higher contents of heat shock proteins and chaperones, transmembrane transport proteins, proteins related with post-transcriptional regulation (ARGONAUTE 1D) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, specific compatible sugars (myo-inositol) and cell-wall carbohydrates. On the other hand, the protein adenosylhomocysteinase and enzymes linked with the glycolytic pathway, nitrogen assimilation and oxidative stress response were found at lower levels.

The High Affinity Dopamine D2 Receptor Agonist MCL-536: A New Tool for Studying Dopaminergic Contribution to Neurological Disorders.

The dopamine D2 receptor exists in two different states, D2high and D2low; the former is the functional form of the D2 receptor and associates with intracellular G-proteins. The D2 agonist [3H]MCL-536 has high affinity for the D2 receptor (Kd 0.8 nM) and potently displaces the binding of (R-(-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA; Ki 0.16 nM) and raclopride (Ki 0.9 nM) in competition binding assays. Here, we further characterize [3H]MCL-536. [3H]MCL-536 was metabolically stable, with about 75% of the compound remaining intact after 1 h incubation with human liver microsomes. Blood-brain barrier penetration in rats was good, attaining at 15 min a % injected dose per gram of wet tissue (%ID/g) of 0.28 in males versus 0.42 in females in the striatum. Specific uptake ratios ([%ID/g striatum]/[%ID/g cerebellum]) were stable in males during the first 60 min and in females up to 15-30 min. The D2-rich striatum exhibited the highest uptake and slowest washout compared to D2-poor cortex or cerebellum. In peripheral organs, uptake peaked at 15 min but declined to baseline at 60 min, indicating good clearance from the body. In vitro autoradiography on transaxial and coronal brain sections showed specific binding of [3H]MCL-536, which was abolished by preincubation with D2/D3 ligands sulpiride, NPA, and raclopride and in the presence of the stable GTP analogue guanylylimidodiphosphate. In amphetamine-sensitized animals, striatal binding was higher than in controls, indicating specificity for the D2high receptor state. [3H]MCL-536's unique properties make it a valuable tool for research on neurological disorders involving the dopaminergic system like Parkinson's disease or schizophrenia.

PET imaging of 11C-labeled thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide, vitamin B1 derivative: First-in-human study

Vitamine B1 thiamine is an essential component for glucose metabolism and energy production. The disulfide derivative, thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD), is more absorbent compared to readily-available water-soluble thiamine salts since it does not require the rate-limiting transport system required for thiamine absorption. However, the detailed pharmacokinetics of thiamine and TTFD under normal and pathological conditions were not clarified yet. Recently, 11C-labeled thiamine and TTFD were synthesized by our group, and their pharmacokinetics were investigated by PET imaging in normal rats. In this study, to clarify the whole body pharmacokinetics of [11C]TTFD in human healthy volunteers, we performed first-in-human PET imaging study with [11C]TTFD, along with radiation dosimetry of [11C]TTFD in humans. MethodsSynthesis of [11C]TTFD was improved for clinical study. Dynamic whole-body PET images were acquired on three young male normal subjects after intravenous injection of [11C]TTFD. VOIs were defined for source organs on the PET images to measure time-course of [11C]TTFD uptake as percentage injected dose and the number of disintegrations for each organ. Radiation dosimetry was calculated with OLINDA/EXM. ResultsWe succeeded in developing the improved synthetic method of [11C]TTFD for the first-in-human PET study. In the whole body imaging, uptake of [11C]TTFD by various tissues was almost plateaued at 10 min after intravenous injection, afterward gradually increased for the brain and urinary bladder (urine). %Injected dose was high in the liver, kidney, urinary bladder, heart, spine, brain, spleen, pancreas, stomach, and salivary glands, in this order. %Injected dose per gram of tissue was high also in the pituitary. By dosimetry, the effective radiation dose of [11C]TTFD calculated was 5.5 μSv/MBq (range 5.2–5.7). ConclusionNovel synthetic method enabled clinical PET study with [11C]TTFD, which is a safe PET tracer with a dosimetry profile comparable to other common 11C-PET tracers. Pharmacokinetics of TTFD in the pharmacological dose and at different nutritional states could be further investigated by future quantitative PET studies. Noninvasive in vivo PET imaging for pathophysiology of thiamine-related function may provide diagnostic evidence of novel information about vitamin B1 deficiency in human tissues.

High Prevalence and Intensity of Trichinella Infection in Yukon American Black (Ursus americanus) and Grizzly (Ursus arctos) Bears.

Trichinella spp. nematodes are commonly found in bear species (Ursidae) and can pose severe health risks to humans when infective first-stage larvae are ingested in meat. Samples of tongue or masseter muscle from 22 male and 11 female American black bears (Ursus americanus; mean age 6.5 yr, range 1-16 yr) and 22 male, eight female, and one unknown sex grizzly bears (Ursus arctos; mean age 8.8 yr, range 2-28 yr), from Yukon, Canada, were tested to determine prevalence and intensity of Trichinella spp. infection. For black bears, prevalence was 20% and mean intensity was 401 larvae per gram of tissue (LPG), whereas for grizzly bears, prevalence was 71%, and mean infection intensity was 35 LPG. Isolates from all positive samples were identified as genotype Trichinella-T6 by multiplex PCR. For black bears, prevalence is the highest reported in Canada and infection intensity the highest recorded in North America. One black bear had a larval burden of 1,173 LPG, the second highest recorded in any host species. The prevalence in grizzly bears was the highest reported in Canada for this host. In total, 90% (27 of 30) of infected bears had infection burdens above the human food safety threshold of ≥1 LPG, reinforcing the importance of communicating the health risks to people consuming bear meat.

Alfalfa Plants (Medicago sativa L.) Expressing the 85B (MAP1609c) Antigen of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Elicit Long-Lasting Immunity in Mice.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of Paratuberculosis, a contagious, untreatable, and chronic granulomatous enteritis that results in diarrhea, emaciation, and death in farmed ruminants (i.e., cattle, sheep, and goats). In this study, the Ag85B antigen from MAP was expressed in transgenic alfalfa as an attractive vaccine candidate. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation allowed the rescue of 56 putative transformed plants and transgenesis was confirmed in 19 lines by detection of the Ag85B gene (MAP1609c) by PCR. Line number 20 showed the highest Ag85B expression [840 ng Ag85B per gram of dry weight leaf tissue, 0.062% Total Soluble Protein (TSP)]. Antigenicity of the plant-made Ag85B was evidenced by its reactivity with a panel of sera from naturally MAP-infected animals, whereas immunogenicity was assessed in mice immunized by either oral or subcutaneous routes. The plant-made Ag85B antigen elicited humoral responses by the oral route when co-administered with cholera toxin as adjuvant; significant levels of anti-85B antibodies were induced in serum (IgG) and feces (IgA). Long-lasting immunity was evidenced at day 180 days post-first oral immunization. The obtained alfalfa lines expressing Ag85B constitute the first model of a plant-based vaccine targeting MAP. The initial immunogenicity assessment conducted in this study opens the path for a detailed characterization of the properties of this vaccine candidate.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12033-021-00307-w.

Quantitative analysis of inulin distribution in the brain focused on nose-to-brain route via olfactory epithelium by reverse esophageal cannulation

This study aimed to determine the effect of intranasal dosing speed and administrating volume of nose-to-brain delivery on candidates for peptide drugs (molecular weight ca. 1–10 kDa). Using inulin as the model molecule of a peptide drug, intranasal administration by cannulation from the airway side through the esophagus was tested in mice. This was done to determine the quantitative distribution levels of the drug in the brain and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Distribution levels were increased with slower and constant speed (5 μL/min), with higher dosing volume equivalent to nasal volume per body weight in mice (25 μL), and were recorded 0.27% injected dose per gram of tissue (ID/g) in the brain, and 0.24% injected dose per milliliter (ID/mL) in the CSF at 60 min. Then, brain distribution resulting from reverse cannulation was two times more than that of the typical intranasal administration method using a micropipette. In addition, the percentage of inulin estimated to reach the brain via direct transport (%DTP) during reverse cannulation was estimated to be 93%, suggesting that ~95% of the total dose was transferred directly to the brain via the olfactory mucosa. These results show that distribution of the peptide drug in the brain was increased through constant administration at a slow and constant speed.

Reduced immune-regulatory molecule expression on human colonic memory CD4 T cells in older adults

BackgroundThe etiology of the low-level chronic inflammatory state associated with aging is likely multifactorial, but a number of animal and human studies have implicated a functional decline of the gastrointestinal immune system as a potential driver. Gut tissue-resident memory T cells play critical roles in mediating protective immunity and in maintaining gut homeostasis, yet few studies have investigated the effect of aging on human gut T cell immunity. To determine if aging impacted CD4 T cell immunity in the human large intestine, we utilized multi-color flow cytometry to measure colonic lamina propria (LP) CD4 T cell frequencies and immune-modulatory marker expression in younger (mean ± SEM: 38 ± 1.5 yrs) and older (77 ± 1.6 yrs) adults. To determine cellular specificity, we evaluated colon LP CD8 T cell frequency and phenotype in the same donors. To probe tissue specificity, we evaluated the same panel of markers in peripheral blood (PB) CD4 T cells in a separate cohort of similarly aged persons.ResultsFrequencies of colonic CD4 T cells as a fraction of total LP mononuclear cells were higher in older persons whereas absolute numbers of colonic LP CD4 T cells per gram of tissue were similar in both age groups. LP CD4 T cells from older versus younger persons exhibited reduced CTLA-4, PD-1 and Ki67 expression. Levels of Bcl-2, CD57, CD25 and percentages of activated CD38+HLA-DR+ CD4 T cells were similar in both age groups. In memory PB CD4 T cells, older age was only associated with increased CD57 expression. Significant age effects for LP CD8 T cells were only observed for CTLA-4 expression, with lower levels of expression observed on cells from older adults.ConclusionsGreater age was associated with reduced expression of the co-inhibitory receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1 on LP CD4 T cells. Colonic LP CD8 T cells from older persons also displayed reduced CTLA-4 expression. These age-associated profiles were not observed in older PB memory CD4 T cells. The decline in co-inhibitory receptor expression on colonic LP T cells may contribute to local and systemic inflammation via a reduced ability to limit ongoing T cell responses to enteric microbial challenge.

An Angiopep2-PAPTP Construct Overcomes the Blood-Brain Barrier. New Perspectives against Brain Tumors.

A developing family of chemotherapeutics—derived from 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy)psoralen (PAP-1)—target mitochondrial potassium channel mtKv1.3 to selectively induce oxidative stress and death of diseased cells. The key to their effectiveness is the presence of a positively charged triphenylphosphonium group which drives their accumulation in the organelles. These compounds have proven their preclinical worth in murine models of cancers such as melanoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In in vitro experiments they also efficiently killed glioblastoma cells, but in vivo they were powerless against orthotopic glioma because they were completely unable to overcome the blood-brain barrier. In an effort to improve brain delivery we have now coupled one of these promising compounds, PAPTP, to well-known cell-penetrating and brain-targeting peptides TAT48–61 and Angiopep-2. Coupling has been obtained by linking one of the phenyl groups of the triphenylphosphonium to the first amino acid of the peptide via a reversible carbamate ester bond. Both TAT48–61 and Angiopep-2 allowed the delivery of 0.3–0.4 nmoles of construct per gram of brain tissue upon intravenous (i.v.) injection of 5 µmoles/kg bw to mice. This is the first evidence of PAPTP delivery to the brain; the chemical strategy described here opens the possibility to conjugate PAPTP to small peptides in order to fine-tune tissue distribution of this interesting compound.

Utility of 211At-Trastuzumab for the Treatment of Metastatic Gastric Cancer in the Liver: Evaluation of a Preclinical α-Radioimmunotherapy Approach in a Clinically Relevant Mouse Model.

A liver metastasis from a primary gastric cancer (LMGC) is relatively common and results in an extremely poor prognosis due to a lack of effective therapeutics. We here demonstrate in a clinically relevant mouse model that an α-particle radioimmunotherapy approach with 211At-labeled trastuzumab has efficacy against LMGCs that are positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Methods:211At was produced in a cyclotron via a 209Bi (α,2n) 211At reaction. 211At-trastuzumab was subsequently generated using a single-step labeling method. NCI-N87 cells (HER2-positive human gastric cancer cells) carrying a luciferase gene were intrasplenically transplanted into severe combined immunodeficiency mice to generate an HER2-positive LMGC model. A biodistribution study was then conducted through the intravenous injection of 211At-trastuzumab (1 MBq) into these LMGC xenograft mice. In parallel with this experimental therapy, phosphate-buffered saline, intact trastuzumab, or 211At-nonspecific human IgG (1 MBq) was injected into control groups. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by monitoring tumor changes by chemiluminescence imaging. Body weights, white blood cell counts, and serum markers of tissue damage were monitored at regular intervals. Microdosimetry using a CR-39 plastic detector was also performed. Results: The biodistribution analysis revealed an increased uptake of 211At-trastuzumab in the metastasized tumors that reached approximately 12% of the injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) at 24 h. In contrast, its uptake to the surrounding liver was about 4 %ID/g. The LMGCs in the mouse model reduced dramatically at 1 wk after the single systemic injection of 211At-trastuzumab. No recurrences were observed in 6 of 8 mice treated with this single injection, and their survival time was significantly prolonged compared with the control groups, including the animals treated with 211At-nonspecific antibodies. No severe toxicities or abnormalities in terms of body weight, white blood cell number, liver function, or kidney parameters were observed in the 211At-trastuzumab group. Microdosimetric studies further revealed that 211At-trastuzumab had been delivered at an 11.5-fold higher dose to the LMGC lesions than to the normal liver. Conclusion: α-radioimmunotherapy with 211At-trastuzumab has considerable potential as an effective and safe therapeutic option for LMGC.

SAR Analysis of Jute Substrate based Tri-bandAntenna for Wearable Applications

In this communication, a textile-based circularly polarized monopole antenna was developed on jute material. The propounded textile antenna functions in the tri bands of WiMAX, WLAN, and ISM bands at the frequencies of 3.5, 4.9, and 5.8 GHz. This design was also resonating with the circular polarization. The proposed antenna was fabricated on the jute fabric and has shown an excellent characteristic in terms of resonating frequencies and axial ratios. The proposed antenna aims to work in the nearness of the human; for that purpose, we also investigated the antenna’s performance by employing it on the human body. The on-body simulation analysis was performed on a three-layer body phantom model, which was developed by considering the electrical characteristics of muscle, fat, and the skin. A good agreement in terms of the operating frequencies was observed between the measurement values in stand-alone conditions and on body placement. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) investigation was also performed on both 1 gram and 10 grams of tissue. The results obtained from the simulation are within the SAR standards’ limits, which shows the textile antenna’s excellent performance.

Standardization and characterization of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction from New Zealand white rabbits for bone tissue engineering.

Background and Aim:Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) contains a heterogeneous cell population comprising multipotent adipose-derived stem cells. Regenerative therapy using adipose-derived SVF has broad applications in bone tissue engineering due to the superior osteogenic potential of SVF. This study was designed to standardize and characterize adipose-derived SVF obtained from New Zealand white rabbits for bone tissue engineering and other potential applications.Materials and Methods:Ten skeletally mature and clinically healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. The SVF was prepared using surgically resected interscapular adipose tissue following enzymatic digestion with 0.1% collagenase type I solution. The SVF pellet obtained after the final centrifugation step was suspended in a 0.5 mL control solution to obtain ready-to-use adipose-derived SVF. The freshly prepared SVF was characterized based on the total SVF cell count and cell yield per gram of adipose tissue. The SVF cells were enumerated using a hemocytometer.Results:Interscapular adipose tissue depots are ideal for preparing autologous adipose-derived SVF due to the ease of access. The interscapular adipose-derived SVF prepared by enzymatic digestion had an average cell yield of 3.15±0.09×106 cells/g adipose tissue. Freshly prepared SVF had a total cell count of 3.15±0.09×104 cells/μL.Conclusion:The enzymatic digestion of adipose tissue using 0.1% collagenase resulted in better cell yield per gram than methods previously reported in rabbits. The use of adipose-derived SVF can preclude the requirement for an additional culture period. In addition, it may also reduce the risk of extensive cell contamination, which makes it a safe and cost-effective strategy for bone tissue engineering applications.

Fibrillar pharmacology of functionalized nanocellulose

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are linear organic nanomaterials derived from an abundant naturally occurring biopolymer resource. Strategic modification of the primary and secondary hydroxyl groups on the CNC introduces amine and iodine group substitution, respectively. The amine groups (0.285 mmol of amine per gram of functionalized CNC (fCNC)) are further reacted with radiometal loaded-chelates or fluorescent dyes as tracers to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of the fCNC in vivo. In this way, these nanoscale macromolecules can be covalently functionalized and yield water-soluble and biocompatible fibrillar nanoplatforms for gene, drug and radionuclide delivery in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy of fCNC reveals a length of 162.4 ± 16.3 nm, diameter of 11.2 ± 1.52 nm and aspect ratio of 16.4 ± 1.94 per particle (mean ± SEM) and is confirmed using atomic force microscopy. Size exclusion chromatography of macromolecular fCNC describes a fibrillar molecular behavior as evidenced by retention times typical of late eluting small molecules and functionalized carbon nanotubes. In vivo, greater than 50% of intravenously injected radiolabeled fCNC is excreted in the urine within 1 h post administration and is consistent with the pharmacological profile observed for other rigid, high aspect ratio macromolecules. Tissue distribution of fCNC shows accumulation in kidneys, liver, and spleen (14.6 ± 6.0; 6.1 ± 2.6; and 7.7 ± 1.4% of the injected activity per gram of tissue, respectively) at 72 h post-administration. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals cell-specific accumulation in these target tissue sinks. In summary, our findings suggest that functionalized nanocellulose can be used as a potential drug delivery platform for the kidneys.

The sigmoidostomy as a determining factor in the change of cutaneous bacterial colonization

Identifying the alterations occurred in the bacteriology of the dermic layer of the abdominal wall in patients who underwent a colostomy, through the qualitative and quantitative determination of the pericolostomic colonization.

Absolute quantification of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in high-grade glioma identifies prognostic and radiomics values.

To understand the tumor immune microenvironment precisely, it is important to secure the quantified data of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, since the immune cells are true working unit. We analyzed unit immune cell number per unit volume of core tumor tissue of high-grade gliomas (HGG) to correlate their immune microenvironment characteristics with clinical prognosis and radiomic signatures. The number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells from 64 HGG core tissue were analyzed using flow cytometry and standardized. After sorting out patient groups according to diverse immune characteristics, the groups were tested if they have any clinical prognostic relevance and specific radiomic signature relationships. Sparse partial least square with discriminant analysis using multimodal magnetic resonance images was employed for all radiomic classifications. The median number of CD45 + cells per one gram of HGG core tissue counted 865,770 cells which was equivalent to 8.0% of total cells including tumor cells. There was heterogeneity in the distribution of immune cell subpopulations among patients. Overall survival was significantly better in T cell-deficient group than T cell-enriched group (p = 0.019), and T8 dominant group than T4 dominant group (p = 0.023). The number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and M2-TAM was significantly decreased in isocitrate dehydrogenase mutated HGG. Radiomic signature classification showed good performance in predicting immune phenotypes especially with features extracted from apparent diffusion coefficient maps. Absolute quantification of tumor-infiltrating immune cells confirmed the heterogeneity of immune microenvironment in HGG which harbors prognostic impact. This immune microenvironment could be predicted by radiomic signatures non-invasively.

Lipid Isolation from Plants.

Analysis of plant lipids provides insights into a range of biological processes, from photosynthetic membrane function to oil seed engineering. Many lipid extraction protocols are tailored to fit a specific lipid class. Here we describe a procedure for extraction of glycerolipids from vegetative tissue. This procedure is designed for 1 gram of tissue per sample but maybe scaled for larger samples.

Wearable Metasurface-Enabled Quasi-Yagi Antenna for UHF RFID Reader With End-Fire Radiation Along the Forearm

We present a quasi-Yagi antenna mounted on a periodic surface for a wearable UHF RFID reader operating in the UHF RFID frequency band centered at 915 MHz. The periodic surface was co-optimized with the antenna to enhance the launching of surface waves to enable the end-fire radiation along the forearm so that a user can identify objects by pointing her/his hand towards them. In addition to the radiation pattern modification, the ground plane of the periodic surface serves the second purpose of isolating the antenna from the human body. We optimized the antenna in a full-wave EM simulator using a simplified cylindrical model of the forearm and in the simulation, it achieved the end-fire directivity of 5.9 dBi along the forearm. In the wireless testing, the quasi-Yagi antenna provided the read range of 3.8 m for a typical UHF RFID tag having 0 dBi gain when the reader’s output power was 32 dBm that corresponds with EIRP =0.56 W and SAR =0.191 W/kg in our simulations. Considering both, the RFID emission regulations with EIRP = 3.28 W or 4 W and the SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg averaged over 1 gram of tissue, the read range could be further enhanced for reader units with higher output power.

Effect of short-term preoperative dutasteride and finasteride on bleeding after transurethral resection of the prostate: A prospective randomized study

Purpose: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard surgical treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Among the many complications of TURP, the most prevalent and serious complication is hemorrhage. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of short-term (2–4 weeks) pretreatment of BPH with dutasteride and finasteride on bleeding after TURP. Methods: A prospective randomized double-blinded study was conducted in Osmania General Hospital, a tertiary care center for a period of 2 years. Two hundred and forty patients who were planned for TURP were included and randomized into four groups; D2: 2 weeks of dutasteride, F2: 2 weeks of finasteride, P2: 2 weeks of placebo, and D4: 4 weeks of dutasteride. The primary outcome was to evaluate the volume of blood loss. Results: The baseline variables were comparable among the groups. Statistically significant differences were seen in total volume of blood loss (183.4 vs. 172.7 vs. 288.5 vs. 173.2 ml, P = 0.01), blood loss per minute of operating time (3.80 vs. 3.65 vs. 5.71 vs. 3.61 ml/min, P = 0.02), and blood loss per gram of resected prostatic tissue (7.61 vs. 7.43 vs. 11.57 vs. 7.21 ml/g, P = 0.008). Blood transfusion requirement was significantly more in the placebo group (11.8%) compared to other groups (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Short-term preoperative dutasteride and finasteride for 2 weeks are equally effective, and they significantly reduce the perioperative blood loss during TURP. Four weeks of dutasteride has no significant advantage when compared to its 2-week course.

Cardiac β-Adrenergic Receptor Downregulation, Evaluated by Cardiac PET, in Chronotropic Incompetence.

The mechanism of chronotropic incompetence (CTI), which has been associated with autonomic dysfunction, has not been elucidated in patients without heart failure (HF). Methods: Cardiac PET using 11C-CGP12177 was performed to investigate the cardiac β-adrenergic receptor density (β-ARD) in 13 patients with CTI without HF and 6 healthy controls. The maximum number of available specific 11C-CGP12177 binding sites per gram of tissue was calculated in regions of interest using an established graphical method. Results: Peak heart rate was significantly lower in CTI patients than in controls (116.9 ± 11.0 vs. 154.8 ± 14.4 beats/min, P < 0.001). β-ARD of the total myocardium was significantly lower in CTI patients than in controls (4.3 ± 1.7 vs. 7.0 ± 1.7 pmol/mL, P = 0.005). Conclusion: β-adrenergic receptor downregulation was demonstrated in patients with CTI without HF. Decreased β-ARD is a common feature in patients with CTI, with or without HF.

Development and Field Validation of Lidocaine-Loaded Castration Bands for Bovine Pain Mitigation.

Simple SummaryCastration is among the most common management procedures performed in the dairy and beef cattle industries. Despite the widely accepted benefits of castration, all castration methods produce pain and distress. While slower than other approaches, castration by banding is simple, inexpensive, and produces fewer complications. We have therefore focused the present study on developing herd-level pain mitigation during banded castration. Because lidocaine is effective at reducing pain and can be delivered topically, we have formulated lidocaine-loaded castration bands (LLBs) to deliver local pain relief to calves and bulls during banded castration. Laboratory results indicated a rapid release of lidocaine for the first 30 min, followed by a slow release for at least 48 h. Field studies indicated that, for both lidocaine delivery into tissues and pain mitigation, LLBs performed at least as well as standard lidocaine injections in the short term and outperformed lidocaine injections in the long term. LLBs delivered therapeutic quantities of lidocaine into scrotal tissues over a period of at least seven days in cattle. This approach would provide long-term pain mitigation to the animals and, by avoiding surgery or the administration of injections, would also decrease the time and handling costs for the producer.Castration is among the most common management procedures performed in the dairy and beef cattle industries and is mainly performed by surgery or elastic banding. Despite the various benefits of castration, all methods produce pain and distress. Castration by banding is simple, inexpensive, produces fewer complications, and can be performed in a high-throughput manner. Because lidocaine, a local anesthetic, can be delivered to trauma sites topically, we have formulated lidocaine-loaded castration bands (LLBs) to deliver local pain relief to calves during banded castration. The initial lidocaine content of three band types developed was between 80 and 200 mg per band. The transfer kinetics of lidocaine into tissue was determined in vitro, indicating a rapid release for the first 30 min, followed by a slow release lasting at least 48 h. Furthermore, the lidocaine delivery and pain mitigation effects of these LLBs were compared to standard lidocaine injections in vivo. Field studies indicated that LLBs performed at least as well as lidocaine injections for short-term lidocaine delivery into tissues and pain mitigation. Moreover, LLBs significantly outperformed lidocaine injections for long-term delivery and pain mitigation. The concentrations of lidocaine in the LLB-treated tissue samples were generally in the range of 0.5–3.5 mg of lidocaine per gram of tissue and were overall highest after 6 h. Lidocaine-loaded elastration bands deliver therapeutic quantities of lidocaine into scrotal tissues over a period of at least seven days in cattle. This approach would provide long-term pain mitigation to the animals and, by avoiding surgery or the administration of injections, would also decrease the time and handling costs for the producer.