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Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) is preferentially expressed in β-cells, but it is highly expressed in human insulinomas and gastrinomas. Several GLP-1 receptor–avid radioligands have been developed to image insulin-secreting tumors or to provide a quantitative in vivo biomarker of pancreatic β-cell mass. Exendin-4 is a high affinity ligand of the GLP1-R, which is a candidate for being labeled with a PET isotope and used for imaging purposes. Objective: Here, we report the development and validation results of a semi manual procedure to label [Lys40,Nle14(Ahx-NODAGA)NH2]exendin-4, with Ga-68. Methods: A 68Ge/68Ga Generator (GalliaPharma®,Eckert and Ziegler) was eluted with 0.1M HCl on an automated synthesis module (Scintomics GRP®). The peptide contained in the kit vial (Radioisotope Center POLATOM) in different amounts (10-20-30 µg) was reconstituted with 2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethansulfonic acid (HEPES) solution and 68GaCl3 (400–900 MBq), followed by 10 min incubation at 95°C. The reaction solution was then purified through an Oasis HLB column. The radiopharmaceutical product was tested for quality controls (CQs), in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia standards. Results: The synthesis of 68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-Exendin-4 provided optimal results with 10 µg of peptide, getting the best radiochemical yield (23.53 ± 2.4 %), molar activity (100 GBq/µmol) and radiochemical purity (91.69 %). Conclusion: The study developed an imaging tool [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-Exendin-4, avoiding pharmacological effects of exendin-4, for the clinical community.

Background: Dietary modifications are recommended alongside pharmacotherapy in treating both diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Aims: The primary aim of our study was to assess the diet in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and myocardial infarction (MI) and to identify dietary differences between patients after the first and subsequent cardiovascular (CV) event. The secondary aim was to analyze the differences between men’s and women’s diets. Methods: The study population consisted of patients with DM/T2DM and MI. The research tool was the original author’s questionnaire which was collected personally by a qualified dietician. Results: The study included 67 patients with a mean age of 69 ± 8 years, hospitalized at the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze in 2019. The study found that patients consumed less bread, whole-grain cereal products, fermented milk products, and vegetables than was recommended. A total of 32.8% of patients reported an intake of sweetened beverages, while 85.1% of participants consumed sweets despite being diagnosed with DM. Except for sweetened drinks, no differences in dietary behaviors were found in the patients after the first and second MI episode. Most of the included patients assessed their diet as appropriate. Conclusion: The dietary assessment of diabetes and myocardial infarction patients indicates that the diet does not comply with dietary recommendations, thus increasing the risk of a recurrent cardiac event despite a previous MI. No differences between the men’s and the women’s nutritional habits were observed.

Background. Proper nutrition and balanced physical activity have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of young athletes, supporting their endurance and health, which is particularly important in the period of adolescence. Objective. Aim of this study was to assess eating behaviours, frequency of consumption of some food products and selected elements of lifestyle among young dancers, as well as to compare the age of the dancers and the assessed behavior. Material and methods. The study included 198 dancers aged 10-15 years. An originally developed questionnaire was used as a research tool. Results. The largest group of dancers (43%) spent on training up to 2 hours per week. The recommended 4-5 meals/day were consumed by 61.1% of dancers, with 87.4% of respondents having breakfast on a daily basis. The recommendations on the daily intake of several portions of fruit and vegetables were followed by 49% and 36.9% of dancers, respectively. It is observed, that the consumption rates of sweets increased, while the consumption rates of fruit decreased with dancers’age. The consumption rates of packed lunch and afternoon snack increased, whereas the consumption rates of dinner decreased with an increasing number of hours spent training. Conclusions. Eating behaviours and the frequency of consumption of food products by young dancers can be described as varied. Their diet is characterised by regular consumption of meals and a correct frequency of consumption of most food products, including high intake of fruit and vegetables, yoghurt and kefir, as well as low consumption of fast food products. The selected elements of dancers’ lifestyle, such as sleep time and physical activity, are mostly correct.

Introduction A healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating, frequent physical activity, abstention from recreational substances, appropriate amounts of sleep and restricted amounts of television and computer time have a positive impact on the development and health of adolescents. The aim of the study was to assess selected aspects of adolescent lifestyle with a focus on rates of physical activity. Materials and methods The study material included a questionnaire completed by 304 secondary school students. The answers were analysed with respect to the physical activity of the respondents and then grouped accordingly: group 1 consisted of respondents with a low rate of physical activity, group 2 with a moderate rate of physical activity and group 3 with a high rate of physical activity. Differences in the the percentages of healthy behaviour the groups engaged in was assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA on ranks test. Post hoc, a 2-way test with Bonferroni correction was performed. A p value of Results The recommended number of 4–5 meals a day is consumed mostly by individuals from group 2 (52.94%) and to the least extent by those in group 1 (47.17%). The recommended daily consumption of fruit is mostly reported by respondents from group 3 (39.34%) and the least, by those from group 1 (26.42%). Subjects from group 2 are least likely to drink alcohol, which is harmful for one's health (26.47%); this group also includes the largest number of individuals who do not smoke cigarettes (69.12%). The most favorable behaviour with regards to sleep is displayed by subjects from group 3, in which 10.38% of participants slept for the recommended 8–10 h a day. Conclusions The majority of adolescents, regardless of the frequency of physical activity they undertook, had an unhealthy lifestyle. The most favourable lifestyle was led by subjects who performed physical activity between once a week and a few times a month.

Background: Numerous different molecules of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands are used to detect prostate cancer (PCa), most approaches utilize gallium PET and a few reports describe the role of SPECT/CT. [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-T4 is a new radiopharmaceutical designed for the diagnosis of patients with PCa. Methods: We conducted a single site, prospective, preliminary case series study that included 31 patients with PCa, all had undergone clinical, biochemical or imaging examination and exhibited clear or suspicious active disease or clinical/biochemical recurrence of PCa. Whole-body (WB) SPECT/CT after i.v. administration of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-T4 was utilized, acquisition images were obtained at three time points. Results: The clinical value of the images was assessed in regard to the evaluation of tumor extent in patients with confirmed PC that qualified for initial therapy and the evaluation of tumor recurrence, both provided encouraging results. The late acquisition of WB-SPECT resulted in better lesions delineation. The results of the analysis of the sensitivity/specificity were: 92%/100% in cases of primary cancer, 83%/100% in terms of pelvic lymph nodes disease, 100%/95% in other lymph nodes and soft tissue involvement, respectively, and bone mets were both 100%. Conclusion: An oncotropic SPECT [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-T4 can help in selecting a rational therapeutic strategy for a patient with an initial diagnosis of PCa by assessing the extent of cancer and also after complex radical or palliative therapy in case of biochemical recurrence for re-staging.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the lifestyle changes of families with children aged 4–8 years during lockdown compared to the time before the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted among 1098 parents during the first lockdown in Poland. An originally developed questionnaire was used as the research tool. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine the frequency of differences in the lifestyle of parents and children before the pandemic and during lockdown. Differences were found in the frequency of healthy habits in the periods under investigation, both in the lifestyle of parents and children. A moderately healthy lifestyle was predominant among families with children aged 4–8 years during lockdown. The families’ lifestyle significantly changed in relation to the time before the pandemic. There is a need for lifestyle education for families with children to prevent the development of bad habits during and after the pandemic and isolation time.

Background. Eating habits are mainly shaped at the first stages of human life. Incorrect eating habits in young individuals may in the future lead to eating disorders and predispose to abnormal body weight. Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate eating habits among adolescents and verify whether there are any differences in eating habits between girls and boys. Material and methods. The study was conducted among 337 post-primary school students, including 126 girls and 211 boys. A standardised questionnaire "My eating habits" was used as a research tool. Results. Secret snacking was slightly more common among girls (27.78%) than boys (24.17%). It was also girls who mostly admitted that other people comment on their diet, as indicated by 33.33% of girls and 18.96% of boys. Girls are also more likely to be dissatisfied with their body weight (41.27% vs. 27.49%) and to occasionally avoid eating despite feeling hungry (42.06% vs. 27.01%) compared to boys. Conclusions. The eating habits of young people are mostly varied. There are differences in the d ietary habits of girls and boys; girls are more likely than boys to overeat under the influence of emotions and to apply dietary restrictions to themselves. In order to promote healthy eating habits and support the mental well-being of young people, it is recommended to provide nutritional education and to implement psychological support for those in need.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) is preferentially expressed in β-cells, but it is highly expressed in human insulinomas and gastrinomas. Several GLP-1 receptor- avid radioligands have been developed to image insulin-secreting tumors or to provide a quantitative in vivo biomarker of pancreatic β-cell mass. Exendin-4 is a high affinity ligand of the GLP1- R, which is a candidate for being labeled with a PET isotope and used for imaging purposes.Here, we report the development and validation results of a semi-manual procedure to label [Lys40,Nle14(Ahx-NODAGA)NH2]exendin-4, with Ga-68.AThe synthesis of [The study developed an imaging tool [

Diagnostic imaging and radionuclide therapy of prostate (PC) and breast cancer (BC) using radiolabeled gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-antagonists represents a promising approach. We herein propose the GRPR-antagonist based radiotracer [99mTc]Tc-DB15 ([99mTc]Tc-N4-AMA-DGA-DPhe6,Sar11,LeuNHEt13]BBN(6-13); N4: 6-carboxy-1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane, AMA: aminomethyl-aniline, DGA: diglycolic acid) as a new diagnostic tool for GRPR-positive tumors applying SPECT/CT. The uptake of [99mTc]Tc-DB15 was tested in vitro in mammary (T-47D) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells and in vivo in T-47D or PC-3 xenograft-bearing mice as well as in BC patients. DB15 showed high GRPR-affinity (IC50 = 0.37 ± 0.03 nM) and [99mTc]Tc-DB15 strongly bound to the cell-membrane of T-47D and PC-3 cells, according to a radiolabeled antagonist profile. In mice, the radiotracer showed high and prolonged GRPR-specific uptake in PC-3 (e.g., 25.56 ± 2.78 %IA/g vs. 0.72 ± 0.12 %IA/g in block; 4 h pi) and T-47D (e.g., 15.82 ± 3.20 %IA/g vs. 3.82 ± 0.30 %IA/g in block; 4 h pi) tumors, while rapidly clearing from background. In patients with advanced BC, the tracer could reveal several bone and soft tissue metastases on SPECT/CT. The attractive pharmacokinetic profile of [99mTc]DB15 in mice and its capability to target GRPR-positive BC lesions in patients highlight its prospects for a broader clinical use, an option currently being explored by ongoing clinical studies.

Background/aim Epidoxorubicin is an anthracycline agent. The present study was undertaken to compare the antileukemic potential of epidoxorubicin and its two formamidine analogs containing either a morpholine moiety (EPIFmor) or a hexamethyleneimine moiety (EPIFhex) in the amidine group. Materials and methods The experiments were performed in vitro on MOLT-4 cells using spectrophotometry, Coulter electrical impedance, flow cytometry, and light microscopy methods. Results The leukemia cell responses to the action of the anthracyclines were manifested in their different viability, count and volume, degree of apoptosis and necrosis, activity of caspases -8, -9, and -3/7, mitochondrial membrane potential, and in the cell-cycle distribution. In general, epidoxorubicin appeared to be the most active, and EPIFmor was more active than EPIFhex against MOLT-4 cells. Conclusion The structural modifications of epidoxorubicin in the amidine group were responsible for the varied action of its formamidine analogs on human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess the utility of [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 scintigraphy in the management of patients with hypoglycemia, particularly in the detection of occult insulinoma. Materials and Methods Forty patients with hypoglycemia and increased/confusing results of serum insulin and C-peptide concentration and negative/inconclusive results of other imaging examinations were enrolled in the study. In all patients GLP-1 receptor imaging was performed to localise potential pancreatic lesions. Results Positive results of GLP-1 scintigraphy were observed in 28 patients. In 18 patients postsurgical histopathological examination confirmed diagnosis of insulinoma. Two patients had contraindications to the surgery, one patient did not want to be operated. One patient, who presented with postprandial hypoglycemia, with positive result of GLP-1 imaging was not qualified for surgery and is in the observational group. Eight patients were lost for follow up, among them 6 patients with positive GLP-1 scintigraphy result. One patient with negative scintigraphy was diagnosed with malignant insulinoma. In two patients with negative scintigraphy Munchausen syndrome was diagnosed (patients were taking insulin). Other seven patients with negative results of 99mTcGLP-1 scintigraphy and postprandial hypoglycemia with C-peptide and insulin levels within the limits of normal ranges are in the observational group. We would like to mention that 99mTc-GLP1-SPECT/CT was also performed in 3 pts with nesidioblastosis (revealing diffuse tracer uptake in two and a focal lesion in one case) and in two patients with malignant insulinoma (with the a focal uptake in the localization of a removed pancreatic headin one case and negative GLP-1 1 scintigraphy in the other patient). Conclusions 99mTc-GLP1-SPECT/CT could be helpful examination in the management of patients with hypoglycemia enabling proper localization of the pancreatic lesion and effective surgical treatment. This imaging technique may eliminate the need to perform invasive procedures in case of occult insulinoma.

Introduction. Epidemiological studies on medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) have shown that neither a change in stage at diagnosis nor improvement in survival has occurred during the past 30 years. In patients with detectable serum calcitonin and no clinically apparent disease, a careful search for local recurrence, and nodal or distant metastases, should be performed. Conventional imaging modalities will not show any disease until basal serum calcitonin is at least 150 pg/mL. The objective of the study was to present the first experience with labelled glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 in the visualisation of MTC in humans.Material and Method. Four patients aged 22–74 years (two with sporadic and two with MEN2 syndrome-related disseminated MTC) were enrolled in the study. In all patients, GLP-1 receptor imaging was performed.Results. High-quality images were obtained in all patients. All previously known MTC lesions have been confirmed in GLP-1 scintigraphy. Moreover, one additional liver lesion was detected in sporadic MTC male patient.Conclusions. GLP-1 receptor imaging with [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 is able to detect MTC lesions. GLP-1 scintigraphy can serve as a confirmatory test in MTC patients, in whom other imaging procedures are inconsistent.

The influence of cladribine (2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine, CdA) on in vitro response of human acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cells, human histiocytic lymphoma U-937 cells, and human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells, was determined using the MTT spectrophotometric and Beckman Coulter methods. Cell viability, cell volume and count were compared 24h and 48h after cladribine application at four concentrations--50 nM, 100 nM, 250 nM, and 500 nM. Different patterns of temporary changes in the viability, volume and count of pathological hematopoietic cells exposed to the action of CdA were found. The effects of CdA on MOLT-4, U-937, and HL-60 cells were dependent on the agent tested and its concentration, the time intervals after agent application, and the cell line used. The various in vitro cytotoxic activities of CdA against the three human pathological hematopoietic cell lines were shown.

Purpose The objective of this article is to present a new method for the diagnosis of insulinoma with the use of [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4. Methods Studies were performed in 11 patients with negative results of all available non-isotopic diagnostic methods (8 with symptoms of insulinoma, 2 with malignant insulinoma and 1 with nesidioblastosis). In all patients glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor imaging (whole-body and single photon emission computed tomography/CT examinations) after the injection of 740 MBq of the tracer was performed. Results Both sensitivity and specificity of GLP-1 receptor imaging were assessed to be 100 % in patients with benign insulinoma. In all eight cases with suspicion of insulinoma a focal uptake in the pancreas was found. In six patients surgical excision of the tumour was performed (type G1 tumours were confirmed histopathologically). In one patient surgical treatment is planned. One patient was disqualified from surgery. In one case with malignant insulinoma pathological accumulation of the tracer was found only in the region of local recurrence. The GLP-1 study was negative in the other malignant insulinoma patient. In one case with suspicion of nesidioblastosis, a focal accumulation of the tracer was observed and histopathology revealed coexistence of insulinoma and nesidioblastosis. Conclusion [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 seems to be a promising diagnostic tool in the localization of small insulinoma tumours, but requires verification in a larger series of patients.

At all stages of the disease, serious difficulties are encountered in the imaging diagnosis of carcinoids. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) holds great promise for detecting primary tumours and metastases. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate should significantly improve the diagnosis of carcinoids in comparison with 111In-Octreoscan owing to the better affinity for SSR2 and the higher count rate. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficiency of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate scintigraphy in the detection and staging of carcinoid tumours.The study population comprised 75 patients (age 48.5+/-15.5 years): 46 with histological confirmation of carcinoid and 29 with suspected disease. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate (740 MBq) SRS and CT were performed in all patients. Fifteen patients were examined with 111In-Octreoscan.High-quality 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate images were obtained in all cases, with maximum tumour tracer accumulation 4 h p.i. The mean target/non-target ratios for whole body (WB) and SPECT scans were, respectively, as follows: primary lesions: 4.5 and 10.2; metastases: liver, 3.1 and 12.3; abdominal focal lesions, 2.7 and 5.8; lung, 2.7 and 8.3; mediastinum, 3.4 and 7.6; bones, 6.8 and 19.0. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate WB scans revealed more metastases than 111In-Octreoscan, with better individual separation. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate SRS revealed new metastatic lesions in seven patients with confirmed carcinoid, and in four with dissemination the primary focus was found. Five patients qualified for radioguided surgery and 11 were referred to 90Y-DOTA-TATE therapy. The sensitivity of SRS in comparison with CT was higher for primary lesions and liver and abdominal lymph node metastases. In the subgroup of patients with suspected neuroendocrine tumours, two duodenal carcinoids, one thymic carcinoid and one ileal carcinoid were found.99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-octreotate, with high imaging quality, is an excellent alternative to 111In-Octreoscan for staging of carcinoids, and it seems to be the method of choice for detection of the primary focus in patients with metastases from an unknown primary tumour.

[ 99m Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-D-Phe 1 ,Tyr 3 ]-Octreotide ( 99m Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC) is a promising new radiopharmaceutical with the potential to replace [ 111 In-DTPA-D-Phe 1 ]-Octreotide ( 111 In-DTPA-OCT) as the radiopharmaceutical for somatostatin receptor scintigraphy due to the advantage of improved image quality, lower radiation dose for the patient, and daily availability. Here we describe the development of a freeze-dried kit formulation based on the Tricine/EDDA exchange labeling approach for the preparation of this radiopharmaceutical in a clinical setting. Three parameters were of major importance to achieve a suitable formulation with a radiochemical purity (RCP) >90%: addition of bulking agent, the pH of the freeze-drying solution, and the content of stannous chloride. The final formulation consisted of 20 mg Tricine, 10 mg EDDA, 50 mg Mannitol, 20 μg SnCl 2 · 2H 2 O, and 20 μg [HYNIC-D-Phe 1 , Tyr 3 ]-Octreotide (HYNIC-TOC). Radiolabeling was performed by addition of 0.2 M Na 2 HPO 4 to adjust the pH to 6−7, followed by 0.5−2 GBq 99m Tc sodium pertechnetate, in a total volume of 2 mL and incubation for 10 min in a boiling water bath. Mean RCP values of 10 batches showed values >90% over a storage period of up to 1 year, a high stability up to 24 h of the final preparation, and retained biological activity. The developed kit formulation forms the basis for further clinical evaluation of this promising new radiopharmaceutical.

Overexpression of glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors in human tumours is a potential target for future imaging and therapy. The GLP-1 receptor imaging using [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 could be useful in the localization of unknown insulinoma focus. The aim of this study was to present the first experience of our unit with the new radiopharmaceutical and its dose estimates. Imaging studies and dose assessment, according to the MIRD schema and MIRD Pamphlet No.11, were performed for 3 patients (2 with suspicion of insulinoma, 1 with suspected insulinoma recurrence). In the first case suspicion of insulinoma was not confirmed. In the second case localized accumulation of tracer in the pancreas was removed by surgery and the clinical symptoms of insulinoma receded. In the third case, pathological accumulation of tracer was localized and recurrence of insulinoma was confirmed in fusion with CT images. The biological half-time did not exceed 2.7.h. The effective half-time did not exceed 4.8 h. The total-body radiation dose did not exceed 0.0038 mGy/MBq and is comparable with the radiation dose to patient after somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. The highest radiation dose was calculated for kidneys (~ 0.070 mGy/MBq). [Lys40(Ahx-HYNIC-99mTc/EDDA)NH2]-exendin-4 is a good candidate for clinical GLP-1 receptor imaging studies and appears safe for the patient from radiological safety point of view.