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Soil compaction is a significant parameter for road construction projects. Since materials and soil compaction play important roles in the stability and durability of roads. This study focuses on the importance of the problems related to water resources in arid regions, considering both the economy and the population in these areas. For this reason, the local materials in Bechar (Algeria) were used to enhance the road construction process. Hence, using the combination of tuff and limestone sand (LS) materials to minimize the amount of water for the road construction compaction is investigated. Different combinations, including 100% tuff, 80% tuff and 20% limestone sand, 70% tuff and 30% limestone sand, and 60% tuff and 40% limestone sand, were evaluated with the Proctor and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The test results showed that using 60% tuff and 40% limestone sand resulted in the minimum water content of 10.5% compared to other combinations of tuff and limestone sand of this study, and it will be beneficial in arid regions where there is a water shortage. Three different percentages of lime (1%,2%, and 3%) were also added to the optimum mixture. However, the results showed that adding this material has no significant mechanical effects.

Abstract: In this paper, we proposed, modeled and evaluated by numerical simulation of an InGaAsP–InGaAs optical transistor operating at optical communication wavelength of 1.55μm. We numerically simulated the proposed structure and investigated the transient and steady-state characteristics by calculating the required microscopic parameters and solving the rate equations within the charge control model. The frequency response and bandwidth modulation of the proposed device are also calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Neutron irradiation of a natural Sm target is performed to produce Sm. Ion-exchange chromatography is used to separate Sm from Eu radionuclides produced in the process. To prepare a target, SmO powder is dissolved in 0.2 ml of HNO in a quartz vial. Samarium is deposited onto the vial walls by passing nitrogen gas at 120°C. The prepared samarium target is encapsulated in aluminum foil and irradiated in a 5-MW reactor in 5 × 10 n cm s flux. The irradiated target is dissolved in 1 M HCl, and the produced radioisotopes are determined with an HPGe nuclear detector. Finally Sm is separated from Eu radionuclides with Sm recovery yield of more than 66% and purity better than 99.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment, designed for the first time in the Middle East region to sustain Coregonus lavaretus production, examined the efficacy of a live organism ( Brachionus plicatilis), an artificial diet (48% crude protein) and a mixed feed for the first 3 month of rearing fry. Nine rearing cages were floated on the surface of a natural pond supplied with hyporheic-zone river water, each containing 150 numbers of white fish fry, where they were treated with each of the three diets in triplicates. The fry were fed eight times daily starting at the onset of exogenous feeding. Results showed that fry utilized live organisms more efficiently than the artificial and mixed diets. Rotifer-fed group consistently showed higher growth rate during the entire experiment. Length increment (29.6 mm), weight gain (572.3 mg) after 12 weeks of feeding were higher ( P < 0.05) in this group. Also, their mean weekly specific growth rate (4.97% day−1) was the highest and feed conversion rate (2.97) was the lowest among all treatments. Survival rates of the fry declined from 75% to 61.4%, from 74.3 to 45.8% and from 72.7 to 54.5% for live feed, mixed diet and artificial diet, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been shown that ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improves symptoms and quality of life in iron-deficient patients with heart failure (HF)., Aim: We aimed to systematically review studies conducted on the cost-effectiveness of FCM compared to placebo in iron-deficient patients with HF., Method: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science to find the relevant studies. After removing duplicates, two authors independently evaluated the titles, abstracts, and full texts. We included studies that investigated the full economic evaluations of FCM in HF patients with iron deficiency (cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis) and used the CHEERS tool to evaluate the quality of the studies., Results: Seven studies were included which evaluated the economic analysis of treatments with FCM in iron-deficient patients with HF. The CHEERS scores for most of the studies (n = 6) were 0.77 or higher (very good quality). The lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) of FCM ($1801.96) was from Italy, and the highest ICER per QALY of FCM ($25,981.28) South Korea. Results of the studies showed that FCM, compared to placebo, was cost-effective in iron-deficient patients with HF., Conclusion: FCM is a cost-effective treatment for iron-deficient patients with HF. Considering the fact that all the included studies in the present systematic review took place in high-income countries, we recommend further studies investigating the cost-effectiveness of FCM in low- and middle-income countries., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Amino acid metabolism is recognized as a target for medical imaging due to its increase in malignant cells. Several radiotracers with primary achievement and possible subsequent chances have been designed and tested to image amino acid metabolism. Here, we report a new amino acid conjugate, with the purpose of extending [ 99m Tc][Tc-HYNIC/EDDA]-Met(O) for single photon emission tomography (SPECT) imaging. The S-oxo-l-methionine (Met(O)) amino acid hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) chelator conjugate (HYNIC-Met(O)) was prepared, using Fmoc solid-phase synthesis, and was radiolabeled with [ 99m Tc]technetium pertechnetate, using tricine and ethylenediamine-N,N-diacetic acid (EDDA) as co-ligands. In vitro cellular uptake profile and saturation binding of radiotracer were determined on C6 glioma cells. Biodistribution and imaging studies were carried out on rat bearing C6 tumor tissue grafts. [ 99m Tc][Tc-HYNIC/EDDA]-Met(O) was prepared in high yield and radiochemical purity (>98 %). The partition coefficient result showed that radioconjugate was very hydrophilic. The radioconjugate indicated both high cell uptake and in vitro internalization. Low nanomolar dissociation constant (66.02 nM) in C6 glioma cells was obtained for it as well. [ 99m Tc][Tc-HYNIC/EDDA]-Met(O) revealed magnificent tumor uptake at early time points, with 1.98 ± 0.33 % injected activity per gram tumor (% IA/g) at 30 min post injection. The tumor uptake continued for 1 and 2 h and was 0.45 ± 0.33 % IA/g at 4 h. The uptake in other organs decreased much more rapidly causing high tumor to normal organ ratios so that the highest ratio of 13.25 of tumor-to-muscle at 60 min after injection was obtained with high contrast in gamma imaging. These results point out a very favorable [ 99m Tc]Tc-labeled amino acid for targeting amino acid metabolism through target system L amino acid transporter (LAT1) in malignant cells especially C6 glioma cells. [ 99m Tc][Tc-HYNIC/EDDA]-Met(O) manifests extremely good distribution, excretion and imaging attributes. So it seems to be an appropriate nominate for clinical imaging., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Parents are aware of the importance of anterior tooth esthetics in their children. Children also pay attention to their appearance more than ever. Today, charcoal has been added to toothpastes. Charcoal can help whiten teeth through abrasion. This study aimed to investigate the degree of bleaching and abrasion of charcoal toothpaste on primary teeth. Materials and Method: This in-vitro study was performed on 30 extracted primary teeth. Initially, the samples were polished, cut, and mounted in blocks of putty. The samples were placed in a coffee solution and then the tooth color was measured by a spectrophotometer and the initial surface profile was measured by a profilometer. The samples were brushed back and forth by the brushing machine with 20 gr Bancer, Beverly, and Colgate toothpastes (mixed with 40 ml of distilled water) for 2000 times (equivalent to 3 times a day for 1.5 months). A color determination was performed again and a second surface profile was measured. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, ANCOVA and paired t-test. Results: The results of this study showed that all three Beverly, Bencer and Colgate whitening toothpastes increased the surface profile and made significant statistical changes in the roughness of dental specimens (P=0.01, P=0.005, P=0.001). The statistical study of the data did not show a significant difference between the groups in terms of abrasion and whitening properties (P=0.78, P= 0.99). Conclusion: Three whitening toothpastes whiten primary teeth and increase their surface roughness. These three toothpastes are not statistically different in terms of abrasion and whitening properties., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: We employed machine learning approaches to (I) determine distinct progression trajectories in Parkinson's disease (PD) (unsupervised clustering task), and (II) predict progression trajectories (supervised prediction task), from early (years 0 and 1) data, making use of clinical and imaging features., Methods: We studied PD-subjects derived from longitudinal datasets (years 0, 1, 2 & 4; Parkinson's Progressive Marker Initiative). We extracted and analyzed 981 features, including motor, non-motor, and radiomics features extracted for each region-of-interest (ROIs: left/right caudate and putamen) using our standardized standardized environment for radiomics analysis (SERA) radiomics software. Segmentation of ROIs on dopamine transposer - single photon emission computed tomography (DAT SPECT) images were performed via magnetic resonance images (MRI). After performing cross-sectional clustering on 885 subjects (original dataset) to identify disease subtypes, we identified optimal longitudinal trajectories using hybrid machine learning systems (HMLS), including principal component analysis (PCA) + K-Means algorithms (KMA) followed by Bayesian information criterion (BIC), Calinski-Harabatz criterion (CHC), and elbow criterion (EC). Subsequently, prediction of the identified trajectories from early year data was performed using multiple HMLSs including 16 Dimension Reduction Algorithms (DRA) and 10 classification algorithms., Results: We identified 3 distinct progression trajectories. Hotelling's t squared test (HTST) showed that the identified trajectories were distinct. The trajectories included those with (I, II) disease escalation (2 trajectories, 27% and 38% of patients) and (III) stable disease (1 trajectory, 35% of patients). For trajectory prediction from early year data, HMLSs including the stochastic neighbor embedding algorithm (SNEA, as a DRA) as well as locally linear embedding algorithm (LLEA, as a DRA), linked with the new probabilistic neural network classifier (NPNNC, as a classifier), resulted in accuracies of 78.4% and 79.2% respectively, while other HMLSs such as SNEA + Lib&#95;SVM (library for support vector machines) and t&#95;SNE (t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding) + NPNNC resulted in 76.5% and 76.1% respectively., Conclusions: This study moves beyond cross-sectional PD subtyping to clustering of longitudinal disease trajectories. We conclude that combining medical information with SPECT-based radiomics features, and optimal utilization of HMLSs, can identify distinct disease trajectories in PD patients, and enable effective prediction of disease trajectories from early year data., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/qims-21-425). AR reports that he received grant from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant RGPIN-2019-06467. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Charcoal toothpastes can whiten teeth through abrasion. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of whitening and abrasiveness of charcoal toothpastes in permanent teeth., Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 30 premolars were polished, sectioned, mounted, and stored for 5 days in a coffee solution at 37°C. The color and surface profile of the teeth were measured by spectrophotometry and a profilometric device, respectively. The specimens were divided into 3 groups of 10 and were brushed 2000 times (equivalent to 3 times a day for 1.5 months) in a brushing machine using 20 g of each toothpaste (Bencer, Beverly, and Colgate) mixed with 40 ml of distilled water. The color and surface profile were remeasured. Bonferroni test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the abrasion. One-way ANOVA was used to assess the whitening., Results: The three toothpastes caused changes in the surface profile ( P = 0.0001). ΔE was equal to 3.3 (within the acceptable range) in all groups (95% confidence interval). There was no significant difference in abrasion ( P > 0.05) and color change ( P = 0.884) among toothpastes., Conclusion: The results of this study showed that all the three used toothpastes have the abrasive and whitening effect on the samples significantly. The differences between the toothpastes were not significant., Competing Interests: The authors of this manuscript declare that they have no conflicts of interest, real or perceived, financial or nonfinancial in this article., (Copyright: © 2021 Dental Research Journal.)

Objectives: The present work focuses on assessment of Parkinson's disease (PD), including both PD subtype identification (unsupervised task) and prediction (supervised task). We specifically investigate optimal feature selection and machine learning algorithms for these tasks., Methods: We selected 885 PD subjects as derived from longitudinal datasets (years 0-4; Parkinson's Progressive Marker Initiative), and investigated 981 features including motor, non-motor, and imaging features (SPECT-based radiomics features extracted using our standardized SERA software). Two different hybrid machine learning systems (HMLS) were constructed and applied to the data in order to select optimal combinations in both tasks: (i) identification of subtypes in PD (unsupervised-clustering), and (ii) prediction of these subtypes in year 4 (supervised-classification). From the original data based on years 0 (baseline) and 1, we created new datasets as inputs to the prediction task: (i,ii) CSD0 and CSD01: cross-sectional datasets from year 0 only and both years 0 & 1, respectively; (iii) TD01: timeless dataset from both years 0 & 1. In addition, PD subtype in year 4 was considered as outcome. Finally, high score features were derived via ensemble voting based on their prioritizations from feature selector algorithms (FSAs)., Results: In clustering task, the most optimal combinations (out of 981) were selected by individual FSAs to enable high correlation compared to using all features (arriving at 547). In prediction task, we were able to select optimal combinations, resulting in an accuracy >90% only for timeless dataset (TD01); there, we were able to select the most optimal combination using 77 features, directly selected by FSAs. In both tasks, however, using combination of only high score features from ensemble voting did not enable acceptable performances, showing optimal feature selection via individual FSAs to be more effective., Conclusion: Combining non-imaging information with SPECT-based radiomics features, and optimal utilization of HMLSs, can enable robust identification of subtypes as well as appropriate prediction of these subtypes in PD patients. Moreover, use of timeless dataset, beyond cross-sectional datasets, enabled predictive accuracies over 90%. Overall, we showed that radiomics features extracted from SPECT images are important in clustering as well as prediction of PD subtypes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objectives: It is important to subdivide Parkinson's disease (PD) into subtypes, enabling potentially earlier disease recognition and tailored treatment strategies. We aimed to identify reproducible PD subtypes robust to variations in the number of patients and features., Methods: We applied multiple feature-reduction and cluster-analysis methods to cross-sectional and timeless data, extracted from longitudinal datasets (years 0, 1, 2 & 4; Parkinson's Progressive Marker Initiative; 885 PD/163 healthy-control visits; 35 datasets with combinations of non-imaging, conventional-imaging, and radiomics features from DAT-SPECT images). Hybrid machine-learning systems were constructed invoking 16 feature-reduction algorithms, 8 clustering algorithms, and 16 classifiers (C-index clustering evaluation used on each trajectory). We subsequently performed: i) identification of optimal subtypes, ii) multiple independent tests to assess reproducibility, iii) further confirmation by a statistical approach, iv) test of reproducibility to the size of the samples., Results: When using no radiomics features, the clusters were not robust to variations in features, whereas, utilizing radiomics information enabled consistent generation of clusters through ensemble analysis of trajectories. We arrived at 3 distinct subtypes, confirmed using the training and testing process of k-means, as well as Hotelling's T2 test. The 3 identified PD subtypes were 1) mild; 2) intermediate; and 3) severe, especially in terms of dopaminergic deficit (imaging), with some escalating motor and non-motor manifestations., Conclusion: Appropriate hybrid systems and independent statistical tests enable robust identification of 3 distinct PD subtypes. This was assisted by utilizing radiomics features from SPECT images (segmented using MRI). The PD subtypes provided were robust to the number of the subjects, and features., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: It is vital to appropriately power clinical trials towards discovery of novel disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, it is critical to improve prediction of outcome in PD patients., Methods: We systematically probed a range of robust predictor algorithms, aiming to find best combinations of features for significantly improved prediction of motor outcome (MDS-UPDRS-III) in PD. We analyzed 204 PD patients with 18 features (clinical measures; dopamine-transporter (DAT) SPECT imaging measures), performing different randomized arrangements and utilizing data from 64%/6%/30% of patients in each arrangement for training/training validation/final testing. We pursued 3 approaches: i) 10 predictor algorithms (accompanied with automated machine learning hyperparameter tuning) were first applied on 32 experimentally created combinations of 18 features, ii) we utilized Feature Subset Selector Algorithms (FSSAs) for more systematic initial feature selection, and iii) considered all possible combinations between 18 features (262,143 states) to assess contributions of individual features., Results: A specific set (set 18) applied to the LOLIMOT (Local Linear Model Trees) predictor machine resulted in the lowest absolute error 4.32 ± 0.19, when we firstly experimentally created 32 combinations of 18 features. Subsequently, 2 FSSAs (Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)) selecting 5 features, combined with LOLIMOT, reached an error of 4.15 ± 0.46. Our final analysis indicated that longitudinal motor measures (MDS-UPDRS-III years 0 and 1) were highly significant predictors of motor outcome., Conclusions: We demonstrate excellent prediction of motor outcome in PD patients by employing automated hyperparameter tuning and optimal utilization of FSSAs and predictor algorithms., (Copyright © 2019 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Given the increasing recognition of the significance of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, we investigate the optimal use of machine learning methods for the prediction of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score at year 4 from longitudinal data obtained at years 0 and 1., Methods: We selected n = 184 PD subjects from the Parkinson's Progressive Marker Initiative (PPMI) database (93 features). A range of robust predictor algorithms (accompanied with automated machine learning hyperparameter tuning) and feature subset selector algorithms (FSSAs) were selected. We utilized 65%, 5% and 30% of patients in each arrangement for training, training validation and final testing respectively (10 randomized arrangements). For further testing, we enrolled 308 additional patients., Results: First, we employed 10 predictor algorithms, provided with all 93 features; an error of 1.83 ± 0.13 was obtained by LASSOLAR (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator - Least Angle Regression). Subsequently, we used feature subset selection followed by predictor algorithms. GA (Genetic Algorithm) selected 18 features; subsequently LOLIMOT (Local Linear Model Trees) reached an error of 1.70 ± 0.10. DE (Differential evolution) also selected 18 features and coupled with Thiel-Sen regression arrived at a similar performance. NSGAII (Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm) yielded the best performance: it selected six vital features, which combined with LOLIMOT reached an error of 1.68 ± 0.12. Finally, using this last approach on independent test data, we reached an error of 1.65., Conclusion: By employing appropriate optimization tools (including automated hyperparameter tuning), it is possible to improve prediction of cognitive outcome. Overall, we conclude that optimal utilization of FSSAs and predictor algorithms can produce very good prediction of cognitive outcome in PD patients., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Novel biodegradable Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) microspheres containing ytterbium were designed for intra-tumoral radiotherapy, especially for radioembolization. 175 Yb possess both therapeutic beta and diagnostic gamma radiations. In this work, a process of making ready radiomicrospheres 175 Yb (acac) 3 -loaded PLLA for more consideration has been investigated. The radiomicrospheres were prepared with approximate size of 20-40 µm, and radionuclidic purity > 92%. The radiomicrospheres were stable in-vitro for up to 72 h in normal saline, and also in human serum albumin (HSA). Biodistribution in mice bearing 4T1 tumor showed specific radionuclide uptake over 48 h. Tumor necrosis was also observed at the injection site up to 12 days after injection. These data indicated that 175 Yb-PLLA microspheres could be prepared and considered further for radiomicrospheres tumor therapy.

Radioembolization with radioactive microspheres has been an effective method for the treatment of liver lesions. The aim of this study was to prepare carrier-free 188 Re loaded poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) microspheres through 188 Re sulfide colloidal nanoparticles ( 188 Re-SC nanoparticles). The formation of 188 Re-SC nanoparticles was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The labeling yield of 188 Re-SC nanoparticles was verified using the RTLC method. Effects of synthesis parameters on morphology and size of prepared 188 Re-sulfide colloidal-PLLA microspheres ( 188 Re-SC-PLLA microspheres) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro stability of 188 Re-SC-PLLA microspheres was investigated in normal saline at room temperature and in human serum at 37°C. In vivo distribution studies and gamma camera imaging were performed in healthy BALB/c mice. The microspheres could be prepared with sizes between 13 and 48 μm (modal value 29 μm) and radiolabeling efficiency >99%. After incubation, the microspheres were found stable in vitro up to 72 hours. The biodistribution after intravenous injection in healthy BALB/c mice showed high accumulation in lung as a first capture pathway organ for microsphere followed by great retention over 48 hours for these microspheres. These data show that 188 Re-SC-PLLA microspheres are suitable candidate for clinical studies., (Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Context: Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the most durable and effective restorations for the primary teeth. Allergy to nickel as major components is common., Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of pH, time, oral temperature, and SSCs trimming on the nickel releasing., Settings and Design: This in vitro study was done on 18 same size crowns., Subjects and Methods: Group A (without trim 0 and Group B (with trim) were immersed in 5 ml artificial saliva. The amount of nickel releasing in each 18 subgroup composed from 3 pH (3.5, 5, and 6.75) and 3 temperatures (27°C, 37°C, and 47°C) in 3 times (1, 7, and 21 days), was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer., Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed by SPSS software (SPSS 20, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) and use of t-test, Duncan, and Tukey's test for analysis of variances. Results were reported with 95% confidence., Results: The amount of nickel releasing reduced with crown trimming, significantly (P = 0.0001). A significant difference was observed in the amount of released nickel in temperature 47°C in comparison with 37°C (P = 0.0001); this measurement was not significant between 47°C and 27°C (P = 0.442). There was no significant difference between concentration of released nickel in 3 pH conditions and also in 3-time situations. The concentration of nickel was lower in trimmed group in comparison to intact group (P = 0.0001)., Conclusions: The concentration of released nickel decreased with trimming of margins and increased when temperature increased. Time and pH had no significant effect on released nickel., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

Background: Preliminary data suggests the absence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) excludes ischemic etiologies of cardiomyopathy. We prospectively validate and perform a systematic review to determine the utility of an Agatston score=0 to exclude the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy., Methods and Results: Patients with newly diagnosed LV dysfunction were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent CAC imaging and were followed until an etiologic diagnosis of cardiomyopathy was made. Eighty-two patients were enrolled in the study and underwent CAC imaging with 81.7% patients having non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. An Agatston score=0 successfully excluded an ischemic etiology for cardiomyopathy with a specificity of 100% (CI: 74.7-100%) and a positive predictive value of 100% (CI: 85.0%-100%). A systematic literature review was performed and studies were deemed suitable for inclusion if: 1) patients with CHF, cardiomyopathy or LV dysfunction were enrolled, 2) underwent CAC imaging and patients were assessed for an Agatston score=0 or the absence of CAC, and 3) the final etiologic diagnosis (ischemic or non-ischemic) was provided. Eight studies provided sufficient information to calculate operating characteristics for an Agatston score=0 and were combined with our validation cohort for a total of 754 patients. An Agatston score=0 excluded ischemic cardiomyopathy with specificity and positive predictive values of 98.4% (CI: 95.6-99.5%), and 98.3% (CI: 95.5-99.5%), respectively., Conclusions: In patients with cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology, an Agatston score=0 appears to rule out an ischemic etiology. A screening CAC may be a simple and cost-effective method of triaging patients, identifying those who do and do not need additional CAD investigations., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, the radiocomplexation of risedronic acid, a potent bisphosphonate with a no carrier added (NCA) 177 Lu, was investigated and followed by quality control studies, biodistribution evaluation, and dosimetry study for human based on biodistribution data in Wistar rats. The moderate energy β - emitter, 177 Lu (T ½  = 6.7 days, E βmax  = 497 keV), has been considered as a potential agent for development of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals. Because the specific activity of the radiolabeled carrier molecules should be high, the NCA radionuclides have an effective role in nuclear medicine. Many researchers illustrated an NCA 177 Lu production; among these separation techniques, extraction chromatography has been considered more capable than other methods. The NCA 177 Lu was produced with specific activity of 48 Ci/mg and radionuclidic purity of 99.99% by the irradiation of enriched 176 Yb target in thermal neutron flux of 4 × 10 13  n·cm - 2 ·s - 1 for 14 days. The NCA 177 Lu was mixed to a desired amount of sodium risedronate (15 mg/mL, 200 μL) and incubated with stirring at 95°C for 30 minutes. The radiochemical purity of 177 Lu-risedronate was determined by radio thin-layer chromatography, and high radiochemical purities (>97%) were obtained under optimized reaction conditions. The complex was injected to Wistar rats, and complex biodistribution was performed 4 hours to 7 days postinjections showing high bone uptake (9.8% ± 0.24% ID/g at 48 hours postinjection). Also, modeling the radiation dose delivery by RADAR software for the absorbed dose evaluation of each human organ showed a major accumulation of the radiocomplex in bone tissue., (Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Skeletal uptake of radiolabeled-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetramethylene phosphoric acid (e.g., 177Lu-DOTMP) complex, is used for bone pain palliation. The moderate energy of β-emitting 177Lu (T½ = 6.7 d, Eβmax = 497keV) has been considered as a potential radionuclide for development of the bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical. Since the specific activity of the radiolabeled carrier molecules should be high, the "no-carrier-added radionuclides" have sig-nificant roles in nuclear medicine. Many researchers illustrated no-carrier-added 177Lu production; among these separation techniques such as ion exchange chromatography, reversed phase ion-pair, and electrochemical method, extraction chromatography has been considered more capable than other methods. In order to optimize the conditions, some effective factors on separation of Lu/Yb were investigated by EXC. The NCA 177Lu, produced by this method, was mixed with 300 μl of DOTMP solution (20 mg in 1 mL of 0.5 M NaHCO3, pH = 8) and incu-bated under stirring at room temperature for 45 min. Radiochemical purity of the 177Lu-DOTMP complex was determined using radio-thin-layer chromatography (RTLC) method. The complex was injected to wild-type rats and biodistribution was then studied for seven days. The NCA 177Lu was produced with specific activ-ity of 48 Ci/mg and with a radinuclidic purity of 99.99% through irradiation of enriched 176Yb target (1 mg) in a thermal neutron flux of 4 × 1013 n.cm-2.s-1 for 14 days. 177Lu-DOTMP was obtained with high radiochemical purities (> 98%) under optimized reaction conditions. The radiolabeled complex exhibited excellent stability at room temperature. Biodistribution of the radiolabeled complex studies in rats showed favorable selective skeletal uptake with rapid clearance from blood along with insignificant accumulation within the other nontargeted organs., (© 2016 The Authors.)

In the present study paclitaxel (taxol) was labeled with [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] + core. Labeling was optimized, and radiochemical analysis was determined by thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Radiocomplex was evaluated and verified further as a tumor characterization agent in B16-F10 melanoma tumor-bearing mice. The [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] + -paclitaxel complex with high specific activity (0.77 GBq/μmol) and labeling yield (96.8 ± 1.3) was obtained. No decrease in labeling was observed up to 6 hours, and the stability of the radiocomplex was found adequate. Our main achievement was high accumulation of radiolabeled paclitaxel in tumor (4.51 ± 0.65 percentage injected dose per gram [%ID/g] at 2-h postinjection) followed by significant reduction (1.86 ± 0.27%ID/g) at 4-hour postinjection. Because paclitaxel is a substrate for multidrug resistance, 99m Tc-tricarbonyl-paclitaxel imaging would be useful for tumor characterization rather than tumor detection., (Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: Various phosphonate ligands labeled with β(-)-emitting radionuclides have shown good efficacy for bone pain palliation. In this study, a new agent for bone pain palliation has been developed., Methods: ¹⁵³Sm-(4-{[(bis(phosphonomethyl))carbamoyl]methyl}-7,10-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododec-1-yl) acetic acid (¹⁵³Sm-BPAMD) complex was prepared using BPAMD ligand and ¹⁵³SmCl3. The effect of various parameters on the labeling yield of ¹⁵³Sm-BPAMD including ligand concentration, pH, temperature and reaction time were studied. Radiochemical purity of the radiolabeled complex was checked by instant thin layer chromatography (ITLC). Stability studies of the complex in the final preparation and in the presence of human serum were performed up to 48 h. Partition coefficient and hydroxyapatite (HA) binding of the complex were investigated and biodistribution studies (SPECT imaging and scarification) were performed after injection of the complex to Syrian mice up to 48 h post-injection. The biodistribution of the complex was compared with the biodistribution of the ¹⁵³Sm cation in the same type mice., Results: ¹⁵³Sm-BPAMD was prepared in high radiochemical purity >98% and specific activity of 267 GBq/mmol at the optimal conditions. The complex demonstrated significant stability at room temperature and in human serum at least for 48 h. HA binding assay demonstrated that at the amount of more than 5 mg, approximately, all radiolabeled complex was bound to HA. At the pH 7.4, LogP o/w was -1.86 ± 0.02. Both SPECT and scarification showed major accumulation of the labeled compound in the bone tissue., Conclusion: The results show that ¹⁵³Sm-BPAMD has interesting characteristics as an agent for bone pain palliation; however, further biological studies in other mammals are still needed.

In this study 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetramethylene phosphonic acid (DOTMP) was used as the polyaminophosphonic acid carrier ligand and the therapeutic potential of the bone seeking radiopharmaceutical (47)Sc-DOTMP was assessed by measuring its dosage-dependent skeletal uptake and then the absorbed radiation dose of human organs was estimated. Because of limited availability of (47)Sc we performed some preliminary studies using (46)Sc. (46)Sc was produced with a specific activity of 116.58 MBq/mg (3.15 mCi/mg) and radionuclide purity of 98%. (46)Sc-DOTMP was prepared and an activity of 1.258 MBq (34 μCi) at a chelant-to-metal ratio of 60:1 was administered to five groups of mice with each group containing 3 mice that were euthanized at 4, 24, 48, 96 and 192 h post administration. The heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestine, skin, muscle, and a femur were excised, weighed, and counted. The data were analyzed to determine skeletal uptake and source organ residence times and cumulated activities for (47)Sc-DOTMP. (46)Sc-DOTMP complex was prepared in radiochemical purity about 93%. In vitro stability of complex was evaluated at room temperature for 48 h. Biodistribution studies of complex in mice were studied for 7 days. The data were analyzed to estimate skeletal uptake and absorbed radiation dose of human organs using biodistribution data from mice. By considering the results, (47)Sc-DOTMP is a possible therapeutic agent for using in palliation of bone pain due to metastatic skeletal lesions from several types of primary cancers in prostate, breast, etc.

Cholchicine and its derivatives are very potent tubulin-binding compounds and can be used as a potential tumor targeting agents. In this study, colchicine was labeled with (99m) Tc via hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) and was investigated further. HYNIC/cholchicine was synthesized and labeling with (99m)Tc was performed at 95 °C for 15 min and radiochemical analysis included HPLC method. The stability of radiconjugate was checked in the presence of human serum at 37 °C up to 24 h. Biodistribution was studied in breast tumor-bearing mice. Labeling yield of 95.8 ± 0.54% was obtained corresponding to a specific activity of 54 MBq/µmol. Radioconjugate showed good stability in the presence of human serum. Biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing mice showed that (99m) Tc/HYNIC/colchicine conjugate accumulated in tumor with good uptake (3.17 ± 0.14% g/g at 1 h post-injection). The radioconjugate was cleared fast from normal organs and showed clearance through urinary and hepatobiliary systems with accumulation of activity in kidneys and intestine. This radioconjugate may be useful to assess the presence of tumor by imaging., (Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Aims: This study investigates to what extent the dose received by lungs from a commercially available treatment planning system, Ir-192 high-dose-rate (HDR), in breast brachytherapy, is accurate, with the emphasis on tissue heterogeneities, and taking into account the presence of ribs, in dose delivery to the lung., Materials and Methods: A computed tomography (CT) scan of a breast was acquired and transferred to the 3-D treatment planning system and was also used to construct a patient-equivalent phantom. An implant involving 13 plastic catheters and 383 programmed source dwell positions were simulated, using the Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) code. The Monte Carlo calculations were compared with the corresponding commercial treatment planning system (TPS) in the form of percentage isodose and cumulative dose-volume histogram (DVH) in the breast, lungs, and ribs., Results: The comparison of the Monte Carlo results and the TPS calculations showed that a percentage of isodose greater than 75% in the breast, which was located rather close to the implant or away from the breast curvature surface and lung boundary, were in good agreement. TPS calculations overestimated the dose to the lung for lower isodose contours that were lying near the breast surface and the boundary of breast and lung and were relatively away from the implant., Conclusions: Taking into account the ribs and entering the actual data for breasts, ribs, and lungs, revealed an average overestimation of the dose by a factor of 8% in the lung for TPS calculations. Therefore, the accuracy of the TPS results may be limited to regions near the implants where the treatment is planned, and is a more conservative approach for regions at boundaries with curvatures or tissues with a different material than that in the breast.

Aim: The motion of the head during brain positron emission tomography (PET) acquisitions has been identified as a source of artifact in the reconstructed image. In this study, a method is described to develop an image-based motion correction technique for correcting the post-acquisition data without using external optical motion-tracking system such as POLARIS., Method: In this technique, GATE has been used to simulate PET brain scan using point sources mounted around the head to accurately monitor the position of the head during the time frames., Result: The measurement of head motion in each frame showed a transformation in the image frame matrix, resulting in a fully corrected data set., Conclusion: Using different kinds of phantoms and motions, the accuracy of the correction method is tested and its applicability to experimental studies is demonstrated as well.

Bombesin (BBN) is a peptide showing high affinity for the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor. Tumors such as prostate, small cell lung cancer, breast, gastric, and colon cancer are known to over express receptors to BBN and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). The goal of this study was to evaluate a new (67)Ga radiolabeled BBN analog based on the bifunctional chelating ligand DOTA (1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid), which could be used as a tool for diagnosis of GRP receptor-positive tumors. DOTA-GABA-BBN (7-14) NH(2) was synthesized using a standard Fmoc strategy. Labeling with (67)Ga was performed at 95°C for 30 minutes in ammonium acetate buffer (pH = 4.8). Radiochemical analysis involved ITLC and HPLC methods. The stability of radiopeptide was examined in the presence of human serum at 37°C up to 24 hours. The receptor-bound internalization and externalization rates were studied in GRP receptor expressing PC-3 cells. Biodistribution of radiopeptide was studied in nude mice bearing PC-3 tumor. Labeling yield of >90% was obtained corresponding to a specific activity of approximatrly 2.6 MBq/nmol. Peptide conjugate showed good stability in the presence of human serum. The radioligand showed a good and specific internalization into PC-3 cells (16.13% ± 0.71% at 4 hours). After 4 hours, a considerable amount of activity (52.42% ± 1.86%) was externalized. In animal biodistribution studies, a receptor-specific uptake of radioactivity was observed in GRP-receptor-positive organs. After 4 hours, the uptake in mouse tumor and pancreas was 1.30% ± 0.18% ID/g (percentage of injected dose per gram of tissue) and 1.21% ± 0.13% ID/g, respectively. These data show that [(67)Ga]-DOTA-GABA-BBN (7-14) NH₂ is a specific radioligand for GRP receptor positive tumors and is a suitable candidate for clinical studies.

Dentinal hypersensitivity is a painful condition that occurs following periodontal treatment. Many treatment alternatives have been considered for this problem, including treatments with laser and dentinal adhesives. This study compared the sealing ability of Nd:YAG laser versus a new resin in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. Ten human premolars were sectioned yielding 30 specimens of each premolar, which were randomly divided into three groups. The laser group was irradiated by Nd:YAG laser (1 W, 10 Hz, 60 s), the resin group was treated with the new Seal & Protect resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the third group served as the control group and did not receive any interventions. After preparation and gold coating of the samples, they were photographed by SEM at two magnifications (1500× and 4000×). The number and diameter (μm) of the dentinal tubules were recorded in selected fields, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were used to determine significant differences between groups. The ANOVA results revealed significant differences in both the mean number (P < 0.001) and diameter (P < 0.05) among the three groups. Further statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the laser group and the resin group in both outcome measures (P < 0.05). Thus, both Nd:YAG laser and the new resin reduced the number and diameter of open dentinal tubules, a result that also explains the desensitization mechanism of these interventions. We further conclude that application of the new resin is more effective than Nd:YAG laser in minimizing the number and diameter of exposed dentinal tubules.