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Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) presents with new-onset mesial temporal lobe seizures, progressive memory disturbance, and other behavioral and cognitive changes. CD8 T cells are considered to play a key role in those cases where autoantibodies (ABs) target intracellular antigens or no ABs were found. Assessment of such patients presents a clinical challenge, and novel noninvasive imaging biomarkers are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrate that visualization of the translocator protein (TSPO) with [ 18 F]DPA-714-PET-MRI reveals pronounced microglia activation and reactive gliosis in the hippocampus and amygdala of patients suspected with CD8 T cell ALE, which correlates with FLAIR-MRI and EEG alterations. Back-translation into a preclinical mouse model of neuronal antigen-specific CD8 T cell-mediated ALE allowed us to corroborate our preliminary clinical findings. These translational data underline the potential of [ 18 F]DPA-714-PET-MRI as a clinical molecular imaging method for the direct assessment of innate immunity in CD8 T cell-mediated ALE.

Glioma-associated microglia and macrophages (GAMMs) are key players in creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment. They can be efficiently targeted by inhibiting the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R). We applied noninvasive PET/CT and PET/MRI using 18 F-fluoroethyltyrosine ( 18 F-FET) (amino acid metabolism) and N,N -diethyl-2-[4-(2- 18 F-fluoroethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5- a ]pyrimidine-3-acetamide ( 18 F-DPA-714) (translocator protein) to understand the role of GAMMs in glioma initiation, monitor in vivo therapy-induced GAMM depletion, and observe GAMM repopulation after drug withdrawal. Methods: C57BL/6 mice ( n = 44) orthotopically implanted with syngeneic mouse GL261 glioma cells were treated with different regimens using the CSF-1R inhibitor PLX5622 (6-fluoro- N -((5-fluoro-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methyl)-5-((5-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)methyl)pyridin-2-amine) or vehicle, establishing a preconditioning model and a repopulation model, respectively. The mice underwent longitudinal PET/CT and PET/MRI. Results: The preconditioning model indicated similar tumor growth based on MRI (44.5% ± 24.8%), 18 F-FET PET (18.3% ± 11.3%), and 18 F-DPA-714 PET (16% ± 19.04%) volume dynamics in all groups, suggesting that GAMMs are not involved in glioma initiation. The repopulation model showed significantly reduced 18 F-DPA-714 uptake (-45.6% ± 18.4%), significantly reduced GAMM infiltration even after repopulation, and a significantly decreased tumor volume (-54.29% ± 8.6%) with repopulation as measured by MRI, supported by a significant reduction in 18 F-FET uptake (-50.2% ± 5.3%). Conclusion: 18 F-FET and 18 F-DPA-714 PET/MRI allow noninvasive assessment of glioma growth under various regimens of CSF-1R therapy. CSF-1R-mediated modulation of GAMMs may be of high interest as therapy or cotherapy against glioma., (© 2022 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Studies on colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibition-induced microglia depletion indicated that inhibitor withdrawal allowed the renewal of the microglia compartment via repopulation and resolved the inflammatory imbalance. Therefore, we investigated for the first time (to our knowledge) the effects of microglia repopulation on inflammation and functional outcomes in an ischemic mouse model using translocator protein (TSPO)-PET/CT and MR imaging, ex vivo characterization, and behavioral tests. Methods: Eight C57BL/6 mice per group underwent a 30-min transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The treatment group received CSF-1R inhibitor in 1,200 ppm PLX5622 chow (Plexxikon Inc.) from days 3 to 7 to induce microglia/macrophage depletion and then went back to a control diet to allow repopulation. The mice underwent T2-weighted MRI on day 1 after ischemia and 18 F-labeled N,N -diethyl-2-(2-[4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-α]pyrimidine-3-yl)acetamide ( 18 F-DPA-714) (TSPO) PET/CT on days 7, 14, 21, and 30. The percentage injected tracer dose per milliliter within the infarct, contralateral striatum, and spleen was assessed. Behavioral tests were performed to assess motor function recovery. Brains were harvested on days 14 and 35 after ischemia for ex vivo analyses (immunoreactivity and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) of microglia- and macrophage-related markers. Results: Repopulation significantly increased 18 F-DPA-714 uptake within the infarct on days 14 ( P  < 0.001) and 21 ( P  = 0.002) after ischemia. On day 14, the ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1)-positive cell population showed significantly higher expression of TSPO, CSF-1R, and CD68, in line with microglia repopulation. Gene expression analyses on day 14 indicated a significant increase in microglia-related markers ( csf-1r, aif1, and p2ry12 ) with repopulation, whereas peripheral cell recruitment-related gene expression decreased ( cx3cr1 and ccr2 ), indicative of peripheral recruitment during CSF-1R inhibition. Similarly, uncorrected spleen uptake was significantly higher on day 7 after ischemia with treatment ( P  = 0.001) and decreased after drug withdrawal. PLX5622-treated mice walked a longer distance ( P  < 0.001) and more quickly ( P  = 0.009), and showed greater forelimb strength ( P  < 0.001), than control mice on day 14. Conclusion: This study highlighted the potential of 18 F-DPA-714 PET/CT imaging to track microglia and macrophage repopulation after short-term CSF-1R inhibition in stroke., (© 2022 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor, highly aggressive by being proliferative, neovascularized and invasive, heavily infiltrated by immunosuppressive glioma-associated myeloid cells (GAMs), including glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMM) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Quantifying GAMs by molecular imaging could support patient selection for GAMs-targeting immunotherapy, drug target engagement and further assessment of clinical response. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) are clinically established imaging methods informing on tumor size, localization and secondary phenomena but remain quite limited in defining tumor heterogeneity, a key feature of glioma resistance mechanisms. The combination of different imaging modalities improved the in vivo characterization of the tumor mass by defining functionally distinct tissues probably linked to tumor regression, progression and infiltration. In-depth image validation on tracer specificity, biological function and quantification is critical for clinical decision making. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant experimental and clinical data concerning the spatiotemporal relationship between tumor cells and GAMs using PET imaging, with a special interest in the combination of amino acid and translocator protein (TSPO) PET imaging to define heterogeneity and as therapy readouts.

Microglia-induced neuroinflammation after stroke contributes to the exacerbation of postischemic damage but also supports neurorestorative events. Longitudinal molecular imaging of microglia-targeted therapies will support the assessment of target engagement, therapy efficacy, and deciphering of the mode of action. We investigated the effects of chronic colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor-mediated microglia depletion on translocator protein (TSPO)-dependent neuroinflammation and cerebrovascular parameters using PET/MRI. Methods: Forty C57BL/6 mice underwent a 30-min transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and were randomly assigned to either a control group or a group treated with CSF-1R inhibitor (PLX5622). Eight mice per group were used for N,N -diethyl-2-(2-(4-(2- 18 F-fluoroethoxy) phenyl)5,7dimethylpyrazolo[1, 5a]pyrimidin-3-yl)acetamide ( 18 F-DPA-714) (TSPO) PET imaging on days 7, 14, 21, and 30 after ischemia and behavioral tests before and after surgery. An extra group of 8 mice underwent MRI, including T2-weighted (infarct), perfusion-weighted (cerebral blood flow), and diffusion-weighted (water diffusion, cellular density) sequences, on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30. Ex vivo analysis (immunoreactivity, gene expression) was performed to characterize the inflammatory environment. Results: We demonstrated that long-term CSF-1R inhibition transiently decreased the TSPO PET signal within the infarct. Residual TSPO activity was partly due to a potentially resistant Iba-1-positive cell populations with low CSF-1R and transmembrane 119 expression. The decrease in selected pro- and antiinflammatory marker expression suggested an apparent global dampening of the neuroinflammatory response. Furthermore, the temporal changes in the MRI parameters highlighted treatment-induced effects on reperfusion and tissue homeostasis, associated with impaired motor function at late stages. Conclusion: Longitudinal TSPO PET/MRI allows the assessment of target engagement and optimization of drug efficiency. PLX5622 has promising immunomodulatory effects, and the optimal therapeutic time window for its application needs to be defined., (© 2022 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Radioligand theranostics (RT) in oncology use cancer-type specific biomarkers and molecular imaging (MI), including positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and planar scintigraphy, for patient diagnosis, therapy, and personalized management. While the definition of theranostics was initially restricted to a single compound allowing visualization and therapy simultaneously, the concept has been widened with the development of theranostic pairs and the combination of nuclear medicine with different types of cancer therapies. Here, we review the clinical applications of different theranostic radiopharmaceuticals in managing different tumor types (differentiated thyroid, neuroendocrine prostate, and breast cancer) that support the combination of innovative oncological therapies such as gene and cell-based therapies with RT.

Immunomodulatory therapies have fueled interest in targeting microglial cells as part of the innate immune response after infection or injury. In this context, the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) and its receptor (CSF-1R) have gained attention in various neurological conditions to deplete and reprogram the microglia/macrophages compartment. Published data in physiological conditions support the use of small-molecule inhibitors to study microglia/macrophages dynamics under inflammatory conditions and as a therapeutic strategy in pathologies where those cells support disease progression. However, preclinical and clinical data highlighted that the complexity of the spatiotemporal inflammatory response could limit their efficiency due to compensatory mechanisms, ultimately leading to therapy resistance. We review the current state-of-art in the field of CSF-1R inhibition in glioma and stroke and provide an overview of the fundamentals, ongoing research, potential developments of this promising therapeutic strategy and further application toward molecular imaging., Competing Interests: The author BZ is currently employed by F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Barca, Foray, Hermann, Herrlinger, Remory, Laoui, Schäfers, Grauer, Zinnhardt and Jacobs.)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive disorders and alterations of behavioral traits such as anhedonia and anxiety. Contribution of nonphysiological forms of amyloid and tau peptides to the onset of neurological dysfunctions remains unclear because most preclinical models only present one of those pathological AD-related biomarkers. A more recently developed model, the TgF344-AD rat has the advantage of overexpressing amyloid and naturally developing tauopathy, thus making it close to human familial forms of AD. We showed the presence of a learning dysfunction in a reference memory test, without spatial working memory impairment but with an increase in anxiety levels and a decrease in motivation to participate in the test. In the sucrose preference test, TgF344-AD rats did not show signs of anhedonia but did not increase the volume of liquid consumed when the water was replaced by sucrose solution. These behavioral phenomena were observed at an age when tau accumulation are absent, and where amyloid deposits are predominant in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. Within the hippocampus itself, amyloid accumulation is heterogenous between the subiculum, the dorsal hippocampus and the ventral hippocampus. Thus, our data demonstrated heterogeneity in the appearance of various behavioral and neurochemical markers in the TgF344-AD rat. This multivariate analysis will therefore make it possible to define the stage of the pathology, to measure its evolution and the effects of future therapeutic treatments., (© 2020 International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a disease that requires complex management involving multiple medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes. It mainly affects older patients with depression and anxiety, who commonly find management difficult. Existing mobile apps supporting the self-management of CHF have limited features and are inadequately validated., Objective: The HeartMan project aims to develop a personal health system that would comprehensively address CHF self-management by using sensing devices and artificial intelligence methods. This paper presents the design of the system and reports on the accuracy of its patient-monitoring methods, overall effectiveness, and patient perceptions., Methods: A mobile app was developed as the core of the HeartMan system, and the app was connected to a custom wristband and cloud services. The system features machine learning methods for patient monitoring: continuous blood pressure (BP) estimation, physical activity monitoring, and psychological profile recognition. These methods feed a decision support system that provides recommendations on physical health and psychological support. The system was designed using a human-centered methodology involving the patients throughout development. It was evaluated in a proof-of-concept trial with 56 patients., Results: Fairly high accuracy of the patient-monitoring methods was observed. The mean absolute error of BP estimation was 9.0 mm Hg for systolic BP and 7.0 mm Hg for diastolic BP. The accuracy of psychological profile detection was 88.6%. The F-measure for physical activity recognition was 71%. The proof-of-concept clinical trial in 56 patients showed that the HeartMan system significantly improved self-care behavior (P=.02), whereas depression and anxiety rates were significantly reduced (P<.001), as were perceived sexual problems (P=.01). According to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire, a positive attitude toward HeartMan was seen among end users, resulting in increased awareness, self-monitoring, and empowerment., Conclusions: The HeartMan project combined a range of advanced technologies with human-centered design to develop a complex system that was shown to help patients with CHF. More psychological than physical benefits were observed., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03497871; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/history/NCT03497871., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): RR2-10.1186/s12872-018-0921-2., (©Mitja Luštrek, Marko Bohanec, Carlos Cavero Barca, Maria Costanza Ciancarelli, Els Clays, Amos Adeyemo Dawodu, Jan Derboven, Delphine De Smedt, Erik Dovgan, Jure Lampe, Flavia Marino, Miha Mlakar, Giovanni Pioggia, Paolo Emilio Puddu, Juan Mario Rodríguez, Michele Schiariti, Gašper Slapničar, Karin Slegers, Gennaro Tartarisco, Jakob Valič, Aljoša Vodopija. Originally published in JMIR Medical Informatics (http://medinform.jmir.org), 05.03.2021.)

Immune cells have been implicated in influencing stroke outcomes depending on their temporal dynamics, number, and spatial distribution after ischemia. Depending on their activation status, immune cells can have detrimental and beneficial properties on tissue outcome after stroke, highlighting the need to modulate inflammation towards beneficial and restorative immune responses. Novel dietary therapies may promote modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cell functions. Among the dietary interventions inspired by the Mediterranean diet, hydroxytyrosol (HT), the main phenolic component of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has been suggested to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro . However, immunomodulatory effects of HT have not yet been studied in vivo after stroke. The aim of this project is therefore to monitor the therapeutic effect of a HT-enriched diet in an experimental stroke model using non-invasive in vivo multimodal imaging, behavioural phenotyping and cross-correlation with ex vivo parameters. Methods: A total of N = 22 male C57BL/6 mice were fed with either a standard chow (n = 11) or a HT enriched diet (n = 11) for 35 days, following a 30 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). T 2 -weighted (lesion) and perfusion (cerebral blood flow)-/diffusion (cellular density)-weighted MR images were acquired at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 post ischemia. [ 18 F]DPA-714 (TSPO, neuroinflammation marker) PET-CT scans were acquired at days 7, 14, 21 and 30 post ischemia. Infarct volume (mm 3 ), cerebral blood flow (mL/100g/min), apparent diffusion coefficient (10 -4 ·mm 2 /s) and percentage of injected tracer dose (%ID/mL) were assessed. Behavioural tests (grip test, rotarod, open field, pole test) were performed prior and after ischemia to access therapy effects on sensorimotor functions. Ex vivo analyses (IHC, IF, WB) were performed to quantify TSPO expression, immune cells including microglia/macrophages (Iba-1, F4/80), astrocytes (GFAP) and peripheral markers in serum such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) 35 days post ischemia. Additionally, gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were assessed by rt-qPCR, including tspo , cd163 , arg1 , tnf and Il-1β . Results: No treatment effect was observed on temporal [ 18 F]DPA-714 uptake within the ischemic and contralateral region (two-way RM ANOVA, p = 0.71). Quantification of the percentage of TSPO + area by immunoreactivity indicated a slight 2-fold increase in TSPO expression within the infarct region in HT-fed mice at day 35 post ischemia ( p = 0.011) correlating with a 2-3 fold increase in Iba-1 + cell population expressing CD163 as anti-inflammatory marker (R 2 = 0.80). Most of the GFAP + cells were TSPO - . Only few F4/80 + cells were observed at day 35 post ischemia in both groups. No significant treatment effect was observed on global ADC and CBF within the infarct and the contralateral region over time. Behavioural tests indicated improved strength of the forepaws at day 14 post ischemia ( p = 0.031). Conclusion: An HT-enriched diet significantly increased the number of Iba-1 + microglia/macrophages in the post-ischemic area, inducing higher expression of anti-inflammatory markers while no clear-cut effect was observed. Also, HT did not affect recovery of the cerebrovascular parameters, including ADC and CBF. Altogether, our data indicated that a prolonged dietary intervention with HT, as a single component of the Mediterranean diet, induces molecular changes that may improve stroke outcomes. Therefore, we support the use of the Mediterranean diet as a multicomponent therapy approach after stroke., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Rationale: The heterogeneous nature of gliomas makes the development and application of novel treatments challenging. In particular, infiltrating myeloid cells play a role in tumor progression and therapy resistance. Hence, a detailed understanding of the dynamic interplay of tumor cells and immune cells in vivo is necessary. To investigate the complex interaction between tumor progression and therapy-induced changes in the myeloid immune component of the tumor microenvironment, we used a combination of [ 18 F]FET (amino acid metabolism) and [ 18 F]DPA-714 (TSPO, GAMMs, tumor cells, astrocytes, endothelial cells) PET/MRI together with immune-phenotyping. The aim of the study was to monitor temozolomide (TMZ) treatment response and therapy-induced changes in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods: Eighteen NMRI nu/nu mice orthotopically implanted with Gli36dEGFR cells underwent MRI and PET/CT scans before and after treatment with TMZ or DMSO (vehicle). Tumor-to-background (striatum) uptake ratios were calculated and areas of unique tracer uptake (FET vs. DPA) were determined using an atlas-based volumetric approach. Results: TMZ therapy significantly modified the spatial distribution and uptake of both tracers. [ 18 F]FET uptake was significantly reduced after therapy (-53 ± 84%) accompanied by a significant decrease of tumor volume (-17 ± 6%). In contrast, a significant increase (61 ± 33%) of [ 18 F]DPA-714 uptake was detected by TSPO imaging in specific areas of the tumor. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) validated the reduction in tumor volumes and further revealed the presence of reactive TSPO-expressing glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMMs) in the TME. Conclusion: We confirm the efficiency of [ 18 F]FET-PET for monitoring TMZ-treatment response and demonstrate that in vivo TSPO-PET performed with [ 18 F]DPA-714 can be used to identify specific reactive areas of myeloid cell infiltration in the TME., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Introduction: In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) support non-invasive assessment of the spatiotemporal expression of proteins of interest and functional/structural changes. Our work promotes the use of a volumetric analysis on multimodal imaging datasets to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics and interaction of two imaging biomarkers, with a special focus on two neuroinflammation-related biomarkers, the translocator protein (TSPO) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in the acute and chronic post-ischemic phase., Aim: To improve our understating of the neuroinflammatory reaction and tissue heterogeneity during the post ischemic phase, we aimed (i) to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of two radiotracers, [ 18 F]DPA-714 (TSPO) and [ 18 F]BR-351 (MMPs), (ii) to investigate their spatial interaction, including exclusive and overlapping areas, and (iii) their relationship with the T 2 w-MRI ischemic lesion in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) mouse model using an atlas-based volumetric analysis., Methods: As described by Zinnhardt et al. (2015), a total of N = 30 C57BL/6 mice underwent [ 18 F]DPA-714 and [ 18 F]BR-351 PET-CT and subsequent MR imaging 24-48 h (n = 8), 7 ± 1 days (n = 8), 14 ± 1 days (n = 7), and 21 ± 1 days (n = 7) after 30 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). To further investigate the spatio-temporal distribution of [ 18 F]DPA-714 and [ 18 F]BR-351, an atlas-based ipsilesional volume of interest (VOI) was applied to co-registered PET-CT images and thresholded by the mean uptake + 2.5*standard deviation of a contralateral striatal control VOI. Mean lesion-to-contralateral ratios (L/C), volume extension (V in voxel), percentages of overlap and exclusive tracer uptake areas were determined. Both tracer volumes were also compared to the lesion extent depicted by T 2 w-MR imaging., Results: Both imaging biomarkers showed a constant small percentage of overlap across all time points (14.0 ± 14.2%). [ 18 F]DPA-714 reached its maximum extent and uptake at day 14 post ischemia (V = 12,143 ± 6262 voxels, L/C = 2.32 ± 0.48). The majority of [ 18 F]DPA-714 volume (82.4 ± 16.1%) was exclusive for [ 18 F]DPA-714 and showed limited overlap with [ 18 F]BR-351 and T 2 w-MRI lesion volumes. On the other hand, [ 18 F]BR-351 reached its maximum extent already 24-48 h after tMCAo (V = 7279 ± 4518 voxels) and significantly decreased at day 14 (V = 1706 ± 1202 voxels). Focal spots of residual activity were still observed at day 21 post ischemia (L/C = 2.10 ± 0.37). The majority of [ 18 F]BR-351 volume was exclusive for [ 18 F]BR-351 (81.50 ± 25.07%) at 24-48 h and showed 64.84 ± 28.29% of overlap with [ 18 F]DPA-714 from day 14 post ischemia while only 9.28 ± 13.45% of the [ 18 F]BR-351 volume were overlapping the T 2 w-MRI lesion. The percentage of exclusive area of [ 18 F]DPA-714 and [ 18 F]BR-351 uptakes regarding T 2 w-MR lesion increased over time, suggesting that TSPO and MMPs are mostly localized in the peri‑infarct region at latter time points., Conclusion: This study promotes the use of an unbiased volumetric analyses of multi-modal imaging data sets to improve the characterization of pathological tissue heterogeneity. This approach improves our understanding of (i) the dynamics of disease-related multi-modal imaging biomarkers, (ii) their spatiotemporal interactions and (iii) the post-ischemic tissue heterogeneity. Our results indicate acute MMPs activation after tMCAo preceding TSPO-dependent (micro-)gliosis. The spatial distribution of MMPs and gliosis is regionally independent with only minor (< 20%) overlapping areas in peri‑infarct regions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Tumor-associated microglia and macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are potent immunosuppressors in the glioma tumor microenvironment (TME). Their infiltration is associated with tumor grade, progression, and therapy resistance. Specific tools for image-guided analysis of spatiotemporal changes in the immunosuppressive myeloid tumor compartments are missing. We aimed (i) to evaluate the role of fluorodeoxyglucose (18F)DPA-714* (translocator protein [TSPO]) PET-MRI in the assessment of the immunosuppressive TME in glioma patients, and (ii) to cross-correlate imaging findings with in-depth immunophenotyping., Methods: To characterize the glioma TME, a mixed collective of 9 glioma patients underwent [18F]DPA-714-PET-MRI in addition to [18F]fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine (FET)-PET-MRI. Image-guided biopsy samples were immunophenotyped by multiparametric flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. In vitro autoradiography was performed for image validation and assessment of tracer binding specificity., Results: We found a strong relationship (r = 0.84, P = 0.009) between the [18F]DPA-714 uptake and the number and activation level of glioma-associated myeloid cells (GAMs). TSPO expression was mainly restricted to human leukocyte antigen D related-positive (HLA-DR+) activated GAMs, particularly to tumor-infiltrating HLA-DR+ MDSCs and TAMs. [18F]DPA-714-positive tissue volumes exceeded [18F]FET-positive volumes and showed a differential spatial distribution., Conclusion: [18F]DPA-714-PET may be used to non-invasively image the glioma-associated immunosuppressive TME in vivo. This imaging paradigm may also help to characterize the heterogeneity of the glioma TME with respect to the degree of myeloid cell infiltration at various disease stages. [18F]DPA-714 may also facilitate the development of new image-guided therapies targeting the myeloid-derived TME., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) guiding principles seek the reuse of data and other digital research input, output, and objects (algorithms, tools, and workflows that led to that data) making them findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. GO FAIR - a bottom-up, stakeholder driven and self-governed initiative - defined a seven-step FAIRification process focusing on data, but also indicating the required work for metadata. This FAIRification process aims at addressing the translation of raw datasets into FAIR datasets in a general way, without considering specific requirements and challenges that may arise when dealing with some particular types of data., Objectives: This scientific contribution addresses the architecture design of an open technological solution built upon the FAIRification process proposed by "GO FAIR" which addresses the identified gaps that such process has when dealing with health datasets., Methods: A common FAIRification workflow was developed by applying restrictions on existing steps and introducing new steps for specific requirements of health data. These requirements have been elicited after analyzing the FAIRification workflow from different perspectives: technical barriers, ethical implications, and legal framework. This analysis identified gaps when applying the FAIRification process proposed by GO FAIR to health research data management in terms of data curation, validation, deidentification, versioning, and indexing., Results: A technological architecture based on the use of Health Level Seven International (HL7) FHIR (fast health care interoperability resources) resources is proposed to support the revised FAIRification workflow., Discussion: Research funding agencies all over the world increasingly demand the application of the FAIR guiding principles to health research output. Existing tools do not fully address the identified needs for health data management. Therefore, researchers may benefit in the coming years from a common framework that supports the proposed FAIRification workflow applied to health datasets., Conclusion: Routine health care datasets or data resulting from health research can be FAIRified, shared and reused within the health research community following the proposed FAIRification workflow and implementing technical architecture., Competing Interests: A.A.S. reports grants from EU H2020 Program, during the conduct of the study., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The tumour microenvironment (TME) surrounding tumour cells is a highly dynamic and heterogeneous composition of immune cells, fibroblasts, precursor cells, endothelial cells, signalling molecules and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Due to the heterogeneity and the constant crosstalk between the TME and the tumour cells, the components of the TME are important prognostic parameters in cancer and determine the response to novel immunotherapies. To improve the characterization of the TME, novel non-invasive imaging paradigms targeting the complexity of the TME are urgently needed.The characterization of the TME by molecular imaging will (1) support early diagnosis and disease follow-up, (2) guide (stereotactic) biopsy sampling, (3) highlight the dynamic changes during disease pathogenesis in a non-invasive manner, (4) help monitor existing therapies, (5) support the development of novel TME-targeting therapies and (6) aid stratification of patients, according to the cellular composition of their tumours in correlation to their therapy response.This chapter will summarize the most recent developments and applications of molecular imaging paradigms beyond FDG for the characterization of the dynamic molecular and cellular changes in the TME.

Solid residues from thermal treatments of sewage sludge (SS) represent a valuable source of phosphorus (P) for the fertilizer production. This study aims at evaluating the P recovery potential from solid residues obtained from wet air oxidation of SS under subcritical water conditions (WAO residues). A series of P extraction experiments was performed by acidic and alkaline leaching at different liquid to solid ratios. Hot chemical extractions and P fractionations were also carried out to characterize the chemical composition of the WAO residues. The main objectives of this work were to determine the best operating conditions for P extraction, and to describe and understand the kinetics and the main mechanisms leading to P release. The results obtained in this study indicate that 1 M citric acid and 1 M HCl at the liquid to solid ratio of 10 L/kg can extract 61% and 65% of the total P content after 2 h of contact time at room temperature, thus giving P extraction capacities of 81 and 86 g P/kg WAO residues, respectively. The analysis of kinetic data indicates that P extraction with 1 M HCl is faster, but 1 M citric acid can give higher P extraction efficiencies at the equilibrium. The molar ratios of Ca to P of the leachates suggest that P extraction from WAO residues was primarily due to the dissolution of a mixture of various Ca-P complexes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: SPECT imaging with two radiotracers at the same time is feasible if two different radioisotopes are employed, given their distinct energy emission spectra. In the case of 123 I and 125 I, dual SPECT imaging is not straightforward: 123 I emits photons at a principal energy emission spectrum of 143.1-179.9 keV. However, it also emits at a secondary energy spectrum (15-45 keV) that overlaps with the one of 125 I and the resulting cross-talk of emissions impedes the accurate quantification of 125 I. In this paper, we describe three different methods for the correction of this cross-talk and the simultaneous in vivo [ 123 I]IBZM and [ 125 I]R91150 imaging of D 2/3 and 5-HT 2A receptors in the rat brain., Methods: Three methods were evaluated for the correction of the effect of cross-talk in a series of simultaneous, [ 123 I]IBZM and [ 125 I]R91150 in vivo and phantom SPECT scans. Method 1 employs a dual-energy window (DEW) approach, in which the cross-talk on 125 I is considered a stable fraction of the energy emitted from 123 I at the principal emission spectrum. The coefficient describing the relationship between the emission of 123 I at the principal and the secondary spectrum was estimated from a series of single-radiotracer [ 123 I]IBZM SPECT studies. In Method 2, spectral factor analysis (FA) is applied to separate the radioactivity from 123 I and 125 I on the basis of their distinct emission patterns across the energy spectrum. Method 3 uses a modified simplified reference tissue model (SRTM C ) to describe the kinetics of [ 125 I]R91150. It includes the coefficient describing the cross-talk on 125 I from 123 I in the model parameters. The results of the correction of cross-talk on [ 125 I]R91150 binding potential (BP ND ) with each of the three methods, using cerebellum as the reference region, were validated against the results of a series of single-radiotracer [ 123 I]R91150 SPECT studies. In addition, the DEW approach (Method 1), considered to be the most straightforward to apply of the three, was further applied in a dual-radiotracer SPECT study of the relationship between D 2/3 and 5-HT 2A receptor binding in the striatum, both at the voxel and at the regional level., Results: Average regional BP ND values of [ 125 I]R91150, estimated on the cross-talk corrected dual-radiotracer SPECT studies provided satisfactory correlations with the BP ND values for [ 123 I]R91150 from single-radiotracer studies: r = 0.92, p < 0.001 for Method 1, r = 0.92, p < 0.001 for Method 2, r = 0.92, p < 0.001, for Method 3. The coefficient describing the ratio of the 123 I-emitted radioactivity at the 125 I-emission spectrum to the radioactivity that it emits at its principal emission spectrum was 0.34 in vivo. Dual-radiotracer in vivo SPECT studies corrected with Method 1 demonstrated a positive correlation between D 2/3 and 5-HT 2A receptor binding in the rat nucleus accumbens at the voxel level. At the VOI-level, a positive correlation was confirmed in the same region (r = 0.78, p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Dual-radiotracer SPECT imaging using 123 I and 125 I-labeled radiotracers is feasible if the cross-talk of 123 I on the 125 I emission spectrum is properly corrected. The most straightforward approach is Method 1, in which a fraction (34%) of the radioactivity emitted from 123 I at its principal energy spectrum is subtracted from the measured radioactivity at the spectrum of 125 I. With this method, a positive correlation between the binding of [ 123 I]IBZM and [ 125 I]R91150 was demonstrated in the rat nucleus accumbens. This result highlights the interest of dual-radiotracer SPECT imaging to study multiple neurotransmitter systems at the same time and under the same biological conditions., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment after stroke opens a new avenue for the development of novel neurorestorative therapies in stroke. Understanding the spatio-temporal profile of (neuro-)inflammatory imaging biomarkers in detail thereby represents a crucial factor in the development and application of immunomodulatory therapies. The early integration of quantitative molecular imaging biomarkers in stroke drug development may provide key information about (i) early diagnosis and follow-up, (ii) spatio-temporal drug-target engagement (pharmacodynamic biomarker), (iii) differentiation of responders and non-responders in the patient cohort (inclusion/exclusion criteria; predictive biomarkers), and (iv) the mechanism of action. The use of targeted imaging biomarkers for may thus allow clinicians to decipher the profile of patient-specific inflammatory activity and the development of patient-tailored strategies for immunomodulatory and neuro-restorative therapies in stroke. Here, we highlight the recent developments in preclinical and clinical molecular imaging biomarkers of neuroinflammation (endothelial markers, microglia, MMPs, cell labeling, future developments) in stroke and outline how imaging biomarkers can be used in overcoming current translational roadblocks and attrition in order to advance new immunomodulatory compounds within the clinical pipeline., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Steel slag filters, if well designed and operated, may upgrade phosphorus removal in small wastewater treatment plants such as stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands. The main objective of this study was to develop a systemic modelling approach to describe changes in the hydraulic performances and internal hydrodynamics of steel slag filters under real dynamic operating conditions. The experimental retention time distribution curves (RTD curves) determined from tracer experiments performed at different times during the first year of operation of two field-scale steel slag filters were analyzed through a three stage process. First, a statistical analysis of the RTD curves was performed to determine statistical parameters of the retention time distribution. Second, classical tanks in series (TIS) and plug flow with dispersion (PFD) models were used to obtain a first evaluation of the dispersion and mixing regime. Finally, a multi-flow path TIS model, based on the assumption of several flow paths with different hydraulic properties, is proposed to accurately describe the internal hydrodynamics. Overall, the results of this study indicate that higher CaO content, round shape, and larger grain size distribution of steel slag may promote plug-like flow rather than dispersion. The results of the multi-flow path TIS model suggest that the internal hydrodynamics of steel slag filters can be primarily described by two main flow paths: (i) a faster main flow path showing higher plug flow, followed by (ii) a slower secondary flow path showing higher dispersion. The results also showed that internal hydrodynamics may change over time as a consequence of physical-chemical phenomena occurring in the filter, including accumulation of precipitates, slag hydration and carbonation, and particle segregation., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dark fermentation systems often show low H 2 yields and unstable H 2 production, as the result of the variability of microbial dynamics and metabolic pathways. Recent batch investigations have demonstrated that an artificial consortium of two anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium acetobutylicum and Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, may redirect metabolic fluxes and improve H 2 yields. This study aimed at evaluating the scale-up from batch to continuous H 2 production in an up-flow anaerobic packed-bed reactor (APBR) continuously fed with a glucose-medium. The effects of various parameters, including void hydraulic retention time (HRTv), pH, and alkalinity, on H 2 production performances and metabolic pathways were investigated. The results demonstrated that a stable H 2 production was reached after 3-4days of operation. H 2 production rates increased significantly with decreasing HRTv from 4 to 2h. Instead, H 2 yields remained almost stable despite the change in HRTv, indicating that the decrease in HRTv did not affect the global metabolism., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dark fermentation is a bioprocess driven by anaerobic bacteria that can produce hydrogen (H2) from organic waste and wastewater. This review analyses a relevant number of recent studies that have investigated dark fermentative H2 production from wastewater using two different types of anaerobic biofilm reactors: anaerobic packed bed reactor (APBR) and anaerobic fluidized bed reactor (AFBR). The effect of various parameters, including temperature, pH, carrier material, inoculum pretreatment, hydraulic retention time, substrate type and concentration, on reactor performances was investigated by a critical discussion of the results published in the literature. Also, this review presents an in-depth study on the influence of the main operating parameters on the metabolic pathways. The aim of this review is to provide to researchers and practitioners in the field of H2 production key elements for the best operation of the reactors. Finally, some perspectives and technical challenges to improve H2 production were proposed., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Electric arc furnace steel slag (EAF-slag) and basic oxygen furnace steel slag (BOF-slag) were used as filter substrates in two horizontal subsurface flow filters (6 m(3) each) designed to remove phosphorus (P) from the effluent of a constructed wetland. The influences of slag composition, void hydraulic retention time (HRTv), temperature, and wastewater quality on treatment performances were studied. Over a period of almost two years of operation, the filter filled with EAF-slag removed 37% of the inlet total P, whereas the filter filled with BOF-slag removed 62% of the inlet total P. P removal occurred predominantly via CaO-slag dissolution followed by Ca phosphate precipitation. P removal efficiencies improved with increasing temperature and HRTv, most probably because this affected the rates of CaO-slag dissolution and Ca phosphate precipitation. It was observed that long HRTv (>3 days) can cause high pH in the effluents (>9) as a result of excessive CaO-slag dissolution. However, at shorter HRTv (1-2 days), pH values were elevated only during the first five weeks and then stabilized below a pH of 9. The kinetics of P removal were investigated employing a first-order equation, and a model for filter design was proposed.

Electric arc furnace steel slags (EAF-slags) and basic oxygen furnace steel slags (BOF-slags) were used to remove phosphate from synthetic solutions and real wastewater. The main objective of this study was to establish an overview of the phosphate removal capacities of steel slags produced in Europe. The influences of parameters, including pH, and initial phosphate and calcium concentrations, on phosphate removal were studied in a series of batch experiments. Phosphate removal mechanisms were also investigated via an in-depth study. The maximum capacities of phosphate removal from synthetic solutions ranged from 0.13 to 0.28 mg P/g using EAF-slags and from 1.14 to 2.49 mg P/g using BOF-slags. Phosphate removal occurred predominantly via the precipitation of Ca-phosphate complexes (most probably hydroxyapatite) according to two consecutive reactive phases: first, dissolution of CaO-slag produced an increase in Ca(2+) and OH(-) ion concentrations; then the Ca(2+) and OH(-) ions reacted with the phosphates to form hydroxyapatite. It was found that the release of Ca(2+) from slag was not always enough to enable hydroxyapatite precipitation. However, our results indicated that the Ca(2+) content of wastewater represented a further source of Ca(2+) ions that were available for hydroxyapatite precipitation, thus leading to an increase in phosphate removal efficiencies., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)