MEK inhibition induces expression of differentiation marker Keratin 10 in human keratinocytes

BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma was regularly treated in the past with a BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) alone or in combination with inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEKi), which is still a common treatment. This combination therapy strongly reduced the occurrence of keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinoma, which was frequently seen when BRAFi was used as monotherapy. Here we addressed the question whether MEK inhibition counteracts squamous cell carcinoma development in part by promoting keratinocyte differentiation. Exposure of human immortalized keratinocytes to different concentrations of MEKi revealed a significant increase in the expression of differentiation-associated keratins K10 and K1 as determined by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Taken together, the present study suggests that in a combined treatment of melanoma with BRAFi/MEKi, MEKi reduces the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas by promoting keratinocyte differentiation under combined BRAFi/MEKi treatment in melanoma. This might open further treatment perspectives for skin cancer treatment.

Teaching and learning in a multilingual Europe: findings from a cross-European study

School classrooms within the EU are multilingual learning environments. The diversity of pupils in classrooms raises significant challenges for teachers, but to date, there are no data from large-scale surveys that compare views within and across European countries. A bespoke questionnaire was designed to examine views of current classroom learning environments with respect to the multilingualism. The questionnaire was piloted and subsequently completed by 2792 teachers across different European countries. Eleven countries provided sufficient data for analyses. Results from structural equation modelling showed that teachers’ attitudes could be reliably measured across Europe with the use of carefully devised questionnaire, whose loading and factor structure remained invariant across countries. Teachers’ views about multilingualism were most challenged by the numbers of children in their classes, not the percentage of multilingual pupils in the class. Countries differed in how they perceived multilingualism, with their differences leading to distinctive country clusters. Gender and education level (elementary vs. secondary) differences were also observed irrespective of country. These findings enhance our understanding of the role that the characteristics of teachers and their classrooms play in a multilingual setting across diverse European settings. The practical relevance of the results and new opportunities for teacher training are discussed.

Pulmonary mucormycosis with extensive bronchial necrosis and bronchomediastinal fistula: A case report and review

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection caused by fungi in the Mucorales species. It most often affects immunocompromised hosts, including diabetics patients. It can affect a variety of organ systems with pulmonary manifestations being the second most common. In severe cases, significant bronchial necrosis and angioinvasion can be seen. Due to its rarity, such extensive cases are not often reported in literature. We present a case of a 32-year-old man who presented with severe bronchial necrosis, including bronchomediastinal fistula, due to Rhizopus. Despite prompt treatment, he developed massive hemoptysis from invasion of the pulmonary vasculature and died. We also provide a brief review of mucormycosis.

THE GERMAN DOSE RATE MONITORING NETWORK AND IMPLEMENTED DATA HARMONIZATION TECHNIQUES

Environmental radiation monitoring networks have been established in Europe and world-wide for the purpose of protecting population and environment against ionizing radiation. Some of these networks had been established during the cold war period and were improved after the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Today, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) operates an early warning network with roughly 1800 ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) stations equally distributed over the German territory. The hardware and software of all network components are developed in-house allowing the continuous optimization of all relevant components. A probe characterization and quality assurance and control program are in place. Operational and technical aspects of the network and data harmonization techniques are described. The latter allows for calculating of the terrestrial and net ADER combined with uncertainties mainly from site specific effects. Harmonized data are finally used as input to the German emergency management system and the European radiological data exchange platform.

Metabolite profiles evaluated, according to sex, do not predict resting energy expenditure and lean body mass in healthy non-obese subjects

PURPOSE

Differences in resting energy expenditure (REE) between men and women mainly result from sex-related differences in lean body mass (LBM). So far, a little is known about whether REE and LBM are reflected by a distinct human metabolite profile. Therefore, we aimed to identify plasma and urine metabolite patterns that are associated with REE and LBM of healthy subjects.

METHODS

We investigated 301 healthy male and female subjects (18-80 years) under standardized conditions in the cross-sectional KarMeN (Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition) study. REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and LBM by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting blood and 24 h urine samples were analyzed by targeted and non-targeted metabolomics methods using GC × GC-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR. Data were evaluated by predictive modeling of combined data using different machine learning algorithms, namely SVM, glmnet, and PLS.

RESULTS

When evaluating data of men and women combined, we were able to predict REE and LBM with high accuracy (> 90%). This, however, was a clear effect of sex, which is supported by the high degree of overlap in identified important metabolites for LBM, REE, and sex, respectively. The applied machine learning algorithms did not reveal a metabolite pattern predictive of REE or LBM, when analyzing data for men and women, separately.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not identify a sex independent predictive metabolite pattern for REE or LBM. REE and LBM have no impact on plasma and urine metabolite profiles in the KarMeN Study participants. Studies applying metabolomics in healthy humans need to consider sex specific data evaluation.

Very stable 188Re-S4 chelates for labelling biomolecules

Aim: The preparation and stability of a new 188Re-S4-complex [S4 = (1-aza-18-crown-6)(O)C-C(SH)-C(SH)- C(O)NH-(CH2)3-NH-(CH2)3-NHC(O)-C(SH)-C(SH)- C(O)(1-aza-18-crown-6] was studied at therapeutic relevant radioactive concentrations. The results were compared with 188Re-MAG3 (MAG3: mercaptoacetyltriglycine) and 188Re-DMSA preparations (DMSA: dimercaptosuccinic acid) performed with the same highly concentrated [188Re]perrhenate solution (12-15 GBq/ml). Methods: The 188Re complexes were prepared by direct reduction of perrhenate (188Re-S4-complex) as well as via the 188Re- EDTA precursor complex (188Re-MAG3, 188Re-DMSA). The preparations were stabilised with 15 mg of ascorbic acid and analysed after 1, 2, and 24 hours by TLC and HPLC. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo stability studies were performed with the purified complexes. Results: After stabilisation with 15 mg of ascorbic acid, all of the complexes were nearly stable under nitrogen for hours, and only 2–8 % of perrhenate was observed after 24 h. In contrast, only the 188Re-S4 complex was completely stable in vitro and in all investigated in vivo samples after separation of ligand excess and reducing agent by HPLC. Conclusion: The bridging amine group or free carboxylic groups of the S4-ligand framework make available reactive positions for coupling biomolecules to the chelate. Thus it appears that the new 188Re-S4 complexes offer the possibility of stable and high specific activity labelling of biomolecules for therapeutic application.

In situ investigation of two-step nucleation and growth of CdS nanoparticles from solution

We report on a combined ultra-fast in situ SAXS and WAXS study along a free-jet providing insight into the evolution of the morphology and crystalline structure of CdS quantum dots in the very early stage of nucleation between 100 μs and 2.5 ms with a time resolution down to 10 μs. Accessing this yet unexplored time regime provides direct evidence of a two-step mechanism via formation of prenucleation clusters followed by nanoparticle nucleation from coalescing precursors. Using ab initio calculations, the latter species is identified as Cd13S4(SH)18 clusters, the stability of which results from a compact surface and inner structure.

Modular instrument mounting system for variable environment in operando X-ray experiments

In the growing field of in operando and in situ X-ray experiments, there exists a large disparity in the types of environments and equipment to control them. This situation makes it challenging to conduct multiple experiments with a single mechanical interface to the diffractometer. Here, we describe the design and implementation of a modular instrument mounting system that can be installed on a standard six-circle diffractometer (e.g., 5021 Huber GmbH). This new system allows for the rapid changeover of different chambers and sample heaters and permits accurate sample positioning (x, y, z, and azimuthal rotation) without rigid coupling to the chamber body. Isolation of the sample motion from the chamber enclosure is accomplished through a combination of custom rotary seals and bellows. Control of the pressure and temperature has been demonstrated in the ranges of 10(-6)-10(3) Torr and 25°C-900°C, respectively. We have utilized the system with several different modular instruments. As an example, we provide in situ sputtering results, where the growth dynamics of epitaxial LaGaO3 thin films on (001) SrTiO3 substrates were investigated.

[Automated detection and volumetric segmentation of the spleen in CT scans]

PURPOSE

To introduce automated detection and volumetric segmentation of the spleen in spiral CT scans with the THESEUS-MEDICO software. The consistency between automated volumetry (aV), estimated volume determination (eV) and manual volume segmentation (mV) was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of the CAD system based on methods like "marginal space learning" and "boosting algorithms". 3 consecutive spiral CT scans (thoraco-abdominal; portal-venous contrast agent phase; 1 or 5 mm slice thickness) of 15 consecutive lymphoma patients were included. The eV: 30 cm³ + 0.58 (width × length × thickness of the spleen) and the mV as the reference standard were determined by an experienced radiologist.

RESULTS

The aV could be performed in all CT scans within 15.2 (± 2.4) seconds. The average splenic volume measured by aV was 268.21 ± 114.67 cm³ compared to 281.58 ± 130.21 cm³ in mV and 268.93 ± 104.60 cm³ in eV. The correlation coefficient was 0.99 (coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.98) for aV and mV, 0.91 (R² = 0.83) for mV and eV and 0.91 (R² = 0.82) for aV and eV. There was an almost perfect correlation of the changes in splenic volume measured with the new aV and mV (0.92; R² = 0.84), mV and eV (0.95; R² = 0.91) and aV and eV (0.83; R² = 0.69) between two time points.

CONCLUSION

The automated detection and volumetric segmentation software rapidly provides an accurate measurement of the splenic volume in CT scans. Knowledge about splenic volume and its change between two examinations provides valuable clinical information without effort for the radiologist.

Pre-operative fasting: a nationwide survey of German anaesthesia departments

BACKGROUND

Shorter pre-operative fasting improves clinical outcome without an increased risk. Since October 2004, German Anaesthesiology Societies have officially recommended a fast of 2 h for clear fluids and 6 h for solid food before elective surgery. We conducted a nationwide survey to evaluate the current clinical practice in Germany.

METHODS

Between July 2006 and January 2007, standardized questionnaires were mailed to 3751 Anaesthesiology Society members in leading positions requesting anonymous response.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 66% (n=2418). Of those, 2148 (92%) claimed familiarity with the new guidelines. About a third (n=806, 34%) reported full adherence to the new recommendations, whereas 1043 (45%) reported an eased fasting practice. Traditional Nil per os after midnight was still recommended by 157 (7%). Commonest reasons reported for adopting the new guidelines were: 'improved pre-operative comfort' (84%), and 'increased patient satisfaction' (83%); reasons against were: 'low flexibility in operation room management' (19%), and 'increased risk of aspiration' (13%).

CONCLUSION

Despite the apparent understanding of the benefits from reduced pre-operative fasting, full implementation of the guidelines remains poor in German anaesthesiology departments.

COUP-TFII is regulated by high glucose in endothelial cells

Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Clinical evidence supports a link between hyperglycemia, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular disorders. However, the precise molecular mechanisms causing endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients remain unclear. An interesting novel mediator could be chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII), which plays an essential role in glucose metabolism. COUP-TFII is known to be expressed in venous endothelial cells. In this study, we show COUP-TFII expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human coronary artery endothelial cells. HUVECs express glucose transporters 1, 3, 6, and 10, and the insulin receptor. Insulin in combination with glucose activates protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) phosphorylation via phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). Short-term (60-240 min) stimulation of HUVECs with high glucose increased COUP-TFII expression independent of insulin. Long-term (48 h) stimulation of HUVECs with high glucose augmented expression of the insulin receptor and E-selectin, but downregulated COUP-TFII protein expression. Downregulation of COUP-TFII by shRNA leads to downregulation of E-selectin and upregulation of eNOS and glucose transporters. Our data suggest that COUP-TFII is regulated by glucose in a time- and dose-dependent manner in endothelial cells. COUP-TFII might affect endothelial function in a diabetic background.

EXAFS analyses of technetium(I) carbonyl complexes – stability studies in solutions

EXAFS analyses were successfully used to determine the structure of Re and Tc carbonyl thioether complexes in solid and liquid samples. In connection with chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods the behaviour of Tc carbonyl dithioether complexes in aqueous solution was studied. It was found that complexes containing a bidentate thioether ligand are able to react with water by exchange of the chloride ion, which results in the formation of a cationic complex. As expected, the exchange proceeds faster at the n.c.a. level because of concentration differences.

Reactivity of 99mTc(V) ''3+1''mixed-ligand complexes towards glutathione

The stability and reactivity of mixed-ligand 99mTc complexes of the general formula [99mTcOL1L2], where L1H2 is either an N-substituted bis-(2-mercaptoethyl)amine [SNMeS] or 3-thiapentane-1,5-dithiol [SSS] and L2H is a monodentate thiol [RS], were investigated. The complexes undergo transchelation reactions with glutathione and other SH-group containing blood constituents. The reactions are reversible and can be inhibited by addition of diethylmaleate. Challenge experiments were performed with a broad set of 99mTc mixed-ligand complexes to investigate the influence of both the tridentate ligand and the monodentate ligand on the stability of this type of complex. The occurrence of ligand exchange reactions with glutathione depends on the donor set of the tridentate ligands as well as the structure of the monodentate ligands. Especially the stability of complexes containing a monodentate ligand with an amine nitrogen in the side chain can be increased by lengthening the carbon chain between the sulfhydryl group and the nitrogen. Thus, it might be possible to improve their in-vivo performance.

Factor XI deficiency in animal models

The blood coagulation system forms fibrin to limit blood loss from sites of injury, but also contributes to occlusive diseases such as deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. In the current model of a coagulation balance, normal hemostasis and thrombosis represent two sides of the same coin; however, data from coagulation factor XI-deficient animal models have challenged this dogma. Gene targeting of factor XI, a serine protease of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, severely impairs arterial thrombus formation but is not associated with excessive bleeding. Mechanistically, factor XI may be activated by factor XII following contact activation or by thrombin in a feedback activation loop. This review focuses on the role of factor XI, and its deficiency states as novel target for prevention of thrombosis with low bleeding risk in animal models.

Very stable 188Re-S4 chelates for labelling biomolecules: preparation with highly concentrated perrhenate eluates

AIM

The preparation and stability of a new (188)Re-S(4)-complex [S(4) = (1-aza-18-crown-6)(O)C-C(SH)-C(SH)-C(O)NH-(CH(2))(3)-NH-(CH(2))(3)-NHC(O)-C(SH)-C(SH)-C(O)(1-aza-18-crown-6] was studied at therapeutic relevant radioactive concentrations. The results were compared with (188)Re-MAG(3) (MAG(3): mercaptoacetyltriglycine) and (188)Re-DMSA preparations (DMSA: dimercaptosuccinic acid) performed with the same highly concentrated [(188)Re]perrhenate solution (12-15 GBq/ml).

METHODS

The (188)Re complexes were prepared by direct reduction of perrhenate ((188)Re-S(4)-complex) as well as via the (188)Re-EDTA precursor complex ((188)Re-MAG(3), (188)Re-DMSA). The preparations were stabilised with 15 mg of ascorbic acid and analysed after 1, 2, and 24 hours by TLC and HPLC. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo stability studies were performed with the purified complexes.

RESULTS

After stabilisation with 15 mg of ascorbic acid, all of the complexes were nearly stable under nitrogen for hours, and only 2-8% of perrhenate was observed after 24 h. In contrast, only the (188)Re-S(4) complex was completely stable in vitro and in all investigated in vivo samples after separation of ligand excess and reducing agent by HPLC.

CONCLUSION

The bridging amine group or free carboxylic groups of the S(4)-ligand framework make available reactive positions for coupling biomolecules to the chelate. Thus it appears that the new (188)Re-S(4) complexes offer the possibility of stable and high specific activity labelling of biomolecules for therapeutic application.

The 188Re(III)–EDTA complex—a multipurpose starting material for the preparation of relevant 188Re complexes under mild conditions

An easy and gentle method for the preparation of 188Re(V) complexes with bidentate and tetradentate ligands is described starting from the precursor complex 188Re(III)-EDTA. That complex is prepared at room temperature in acidic solution and reacts by a combined re-oxidation/ligand exchange reaction with appropriate ligands like DMSA or ECD (DMSA = dimercapto succinic acid, ECD = L,L-ethylene dicysteine diethyl ester) or en, tau, and cyclam (en = ethylene diamine, tau = 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane, cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo-tetradecane) to the 188Re(V)-oxo- and dioxocomplexes, respectively. The chelates were unambiguously identified by chromatographic comparison with spectroscopically characterised samples or known 99mTc-kit reconstitutions. The reaction succeeds under mild conditions (room temperature, short time, neutral or weak basic solutions) with high yields and has potential for labelling of sensitive biomolecules with 188Re.

NAD(P)H oxidase and multidrug resistance protein genetic polymorphisms are associated with doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

A significant number of patients treated with anthracyclines develop cardiotoxicity (anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity [ACT]), mainly presenting as arrhythmias (acute ACT) or congestive heart failure (chronic ACT). There are no data on pharmacogenomic predictors of ACT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We genotyped participants of the German non-Hodgkin lymphoma study (NHL-B) who were followed up for the development of heart failure for a median of >3 years. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from 82 genes with conceivable relevance to ACT. Of 1697 patients, 55 developed acute and 54 developed chronic ACT (cumulative incidence of either form, 3.2%). We detected 5 significant associations with polymorphisms of the NAD(P)H oxidase and doxorubicin efflux transporters. Chronic ACT was associated with a variant of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunit NCF4 (rs1883112, -212A-->G; symbols with right-pointing arrows, as edited?' odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.0). Acute ACT was associated with the His72Tyr polymorphism in the p22phox subunit (rs4673; OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.9) and with the variant 7508T-->A (rs13058338; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.1) of the RAC2 subunit of the same enzyme. In agreement with these results, mice deficient in NAD(P)H oxidase activity, unlike wild-type mice, were resistant to chronic doxorubicin treatment. In addition, acute ACT was associated with the Gly671Val variant of the doxorubicin efflux transporter multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.6 to 8.4) and with the Val1188Glu-Cys1515Tyr (rs8187694-rs8187710) haplotype of the functionally similar MRP2 (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.4). Polymorphisms in adrenergic receptors previously demonstrated to be predictive of heart failure were not associated with ACT.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variants in doxorubicin transport and free radical metabolism may modulate the individual risk to develop ACT.

Dramatic Effect of the Tridentate Ligand on the Stability of 99mTc "3 + 1" Oxo Complexes Bearing Arylpiperazine Derivatives

Mixed-ligand model complexes of general formula [(99m)Tc(O)(kappa(3)-PNX)(kappa(1)-SPh))] [X = O (1a), S (2a)] were prepared in a one-step procedure from [(99m)TcO(4)(-)] using stannous chloride as reducing agent. Stability studies and challenge experiments with glutathione showed that complex 2a presented promising features for pursuing animal studies. The activity in the brain (% dose injected/organ) at 5 min (0.14% +/- 0.03) and 120 min (0.11% +/- 0.02) pi encouraged the synthesis of several mixed-ligand "3 + 1" oxo complexes of general formula [M(O)(kappa(3)-PNS)(kappa(1)-SL))] (M = (99m)Tc, 3a-6a, Re, 3-6), in which the tridentate ligand is the heterofunctionalized phosphine 2-(diphenylphosphanyl)-N-(2-thioethyl)benzamide (PNS) and the co-ligands are different arylpiperazine derivatives (HSL1-HSL4). The (99m)Tc complexes have been characterized by comparison of their retention times in the HPLC chromatogram (gamma-detection) with the retention times of the analogous Re complexes (UV detection at 254 nm). The (99m)Tc complexes, obtained with radiochemical purity higher than 95%, after HPLC purification, are stable in saline, 0.01 M PBS (pH 7.4), rat plasma (4 h, 37 degrees C), and glutathione (10 mM solutions, 2h, 37 degrees C). Binding affinity and selectivity for 5-HT(1A) receptors (relative to the 5-HT(2A) receptor) were determined, complex 5 demonstrating the best values (IC(50) for the 5-HT(1A) 2.35 +/- 0.02 nM; competitor 5-HT(2A) 372 +/- 11 nM). Biodistribution and stability studies in mice indicated a preferred hepatobiliary excretion, a high in vivo stability, but a poor brain uptake.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of silylated mixed-ligand 99mTc complexes with the [PNS/S] donor atom set

New oxotechnetium complexes of general formula [99mTc(O)(PNS)(S(CH2)nOSiR3)] (4-6) were synthesized by direct reduction of [99mTcO4]- with stannous chloride, in the presence of the tridentate heterofunctionalized phosphine H2PNS and of the monodentate silylated thiols [HS(CH2)nOSiR3] (n = 2, R = Ph (1); n = 3, R = Ph (2); n = 3, R = Et (3)). The mixed-ligand rhenium and technetium complexes of general formula [M(O)(PNS)(S(CH2)nOH)] (n = 2: M = 99mTc, (7), M = Re, (7a); n = 3: M = 99mTc, (8), M = Re, (8a)) were also prepared. All the 99mTc complexes were obtained with high radiochemical purity (> 95%), after purification by HPLC, and were characterized by comparison of their HPLC profiles with the ones obtained for the corresponding Re compounds. The silylated compounds 4-6 are stable in phosphate saline buffer (PBS) pH 7.4, rat plasma, human serum and whole blood, and do not bind to plasmatic proteins, and also do not challenge with glutathione. The biological behavior of [99mTc(O)(PNS)(S(CH2)nOH)] (7, 8) and [99mTc(O)(PNS)(S(CH2)nOSiR3)] (4-6) was studied. The effect of the pH on the cleavage of the O-Si bond in complexes 4-6 was also evaluated.

Novel Procedures for Preparing99mTc(III) Complexes with Tetradentate/Monodentate Coordination of Varying Lipophilicity and Adaptation to188Re Analogues

Improved methods are presented for the preparation of 99mTc and 188Re mixed-ligand complexes with tetradentate and monodentate ligands of the general formula [MIII(Lm)(Ln)] (M = Tc, Re; Lm = NS3 or NS3COOH; Ln = isocyanide or phosphine). To avoid the undesired formation of reduced-hydrolyzed species of both metals, the preparation of complexes is performed in a two-step procedure. At first the Tc(III)- or Re(III)-EDTA complex is formed which reacts in a second step with the tripodal ligand 2,2',2' '-nitrilotris(ethanethiol) (NS3) or its carboxyl derivative NS3COOH (a) and the monodentate phosphine ligands (triphenylphosphine L1, dimethylphenylphosphine L2) or isocyanides (tert-butyl isonitrile L3, methoxyisobutyl isonitrile L4, 4-isocyanomethylbenzoic acid-L-arginine L5, 4-isocyanomethylbenzoic acid-L-arginyl-L-arginine L6, 4-isocyanomethylbenzoic acid-neurotensin(8-13) L7) to the so-called '4+1' complex. Copper(I) isocyanide complexes are used for preparing the '4+1' complexes. That facilitates storage stability and allows kit formulations, and, moreover, enables the formation of 188Re complexes in acidic solution. Only micromolar amounts of the monodentate ligand are needed, and that results in high specific activity labeling of interesting molecules. The lipophilicity of complexes can be controlled by introducing a carboxyl group into the tetradentate ligand and/or derivatization of the monodentate ligands. Furthermore, the carboxyl group enables the conjugation of biomolecules. As an example, the neurotensin derivative CN-NT(8-13) was prepared and labeled with 99mTc according to the '4+1' approach, and its behavior in vivo was studied.

Novel enantiopure ferrugininoids active as nicotinic agents: synthesis and radioligand binding studies

A series of hitherto unknown enantiopure (-)-ferruginine analogues of type 8 and 9 was prepared and tested for the affinity toward the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes (alpha4)2(beta2)3, alpha7*, alpha3beta4*, and (alpha1)2beta1gamma delta. The stereoconservative asymmetric syntheses started with (-)-cocainhydrochloride (10) from the chiral pool which was transformed into the chiral building blocks (+)-2-tropanone (11) and to (-)-anhydroecgonine (18). Key steps of the syntheses are novel extensions to existing methodology e.g. a Suzuki Pd(0)-mediated cross-coupling of vinyl triflate (12) with the heteroaryl organoboranes 13-15 and an inverse type [4+2]-cycloaddition with 1,2,4,5-tetrazine (21). The bioisosteric replacement of the 3-acetyl pharmacophoric element of the lead 6 by a 3-pyridyl, 5-chloropyridyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, or 4-pyridazinyl moiety resulted in nAChR ligands with Ki-values ranging from 1.1-713 nM toward the (alpha4)2(beta2)3 subtype combined with significant differentiation among the nAChR subtypes when tested in vitro by radioligand binding studies. Generally the ferrugininoids are less potent than the corresponding norferrugininoids. Similar to results of the norferrugininoid series the novel azine substituted ferrugininoids 8 proved to be more potent than the diazine analogues 9; both exhibited higher affinities compared to the lead 6. The 5-chloropyridyl-containing variant 8b [1R, 5S)-enantiomer] turned out to be the most active nAChR ligand with a 12-fold higher affinity toward the (alpha4)2(beta2)3 subtype than the corresponding (1S, 5R)-form ent-8b.

Novel tumortropic ester derivatives of 99mTc(V) mesodimercapto succinic acid with low affinity for bone tissue

Starting from our previous finding that 99mTc(V) dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc(V)-DMSA), a useful agent for the localization of osteosarcoma and bone metastases, loses its bone affinity when one ester group is introduced into the complex we studied the impact of esterification in more detail. This paper reports on the evaluation of various ester complexes of 99mTc(V)-DMSA in rats and tumour-bearing nude mice with regard to their tumour retention and improvement of the tumour to tissue ratios. The distribution patterns of the complexes [99mTcO(DMSA)2]- (A), [99mTcO(DMSA/DMSEt)]- (B) and [99mTcO(DMSEt)2]- (C) are gradually changed with the number of ester groups in the anionic complex. However, the asymmetric diester complex [99mTcO(DMSA/DMSEt2)]- (D) is very slowly cleared, especially from the blood of nude mice. Moreover, this complex differs significantly from the symmetrical complex C in its elimination behaviour from the liver and kidneys. The tumour uptake is maintained with complexes that contain one or two non-hydrolysable ester functions. Preliminary biodistribution studies of the monoethyl and diethyl ester complexes B, C and D in comparison with A in tumour-bearing nude mice showed similar uptake into the human squamous cell carcinoma (FaDu) as well as into the human colonic cell carcinoma (HT29) of nude mice. The low bone accumulation of B, C and D results in excellent tumour-to-bone ratios, e.g., approx. 3:1 for the ester complex B compared to approx. 1:2 for complex A. Differences were observed in the accumulation and elimination behaviour of the complexes A and B in various bone structures of rats. The age-dependent uptake of A and B was compared in long bone (femur) and in cranial bone of rats. The results suggest that 99mTc(V)-DMSA complexes that contain a functional ester, and their 188Re analogues, may be superior to 99mTc(V)/188Re(V)-DMSA in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine.

Electrochemical in situ reaction cell for X-ray scattering, diffraction and spectroscopy

A versatile electrochemical in situ reaction cell for long-term hard X-ray experiments on battery electrodes is described. Applications include the small-angle scattering, diffraction and absorption spectroscopy of lithium manganese oxide electrodes.

Synthesis, biological and autoradiographic evaluation of a novel Tc-99m radioligand derived from WAY 100635 with high affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor and the alpha1-adrenergic receptor

This paper reports the synthesis, biological evaluation, in vitro and ex vivo autoradiography of the first Tc-99m ligand with subnanomolar affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor and a remarkably high affinity for the alpha1-adrenergic receptor. The neutral "3+1" mixed-ligand complex combines 4-(6-mercaptohexyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine as monodentate and 3-(N-methyl)azapentane-1,5-dithiol as tridentate unit with oxotechnetium(V). The analogous rhenium complex was synthesized for complete structural characterization and used in receptor binding assays. In competition experiments both complexes display subnanomolar affinity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor (IC(50)0.24 nM for Re, 0.13 nM for Tc) but also very high affinities for the alpha1-adrenergic receptor (IC(50) 0.05 nM for Re, 0.03 nM for Tc). Biodistribution studies show a brain uptake in rat of 0.22% ID five minutes post injection. In vitro autoradiographic studies in rat brain and postmortem human brain indicate accumulation of the Tc-99m complex in brain areas which are rich in 5-HT(1A) receptors or in alpha1-adrenergic receptors. This in vitro enrichment can be blocked respectively by the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT or by prazosin hydrochloride, an alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Ex vivo autoradiographic studies in rats show a slight accumulation of the Tc-99m complex in 5-HT(1A) receptor-rich areas of the brain, which could not be blocked, as well as in regions rich in alpha1-adrenergic receptors, which could be blocked by prazosin hydrochloride.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of technetium(III) mixed-ligand complexes with high affinity for the cerebral 5-HT(1A) receptor and the alpha1-adrenergic receptor

Tc(III) and Re(III) complexes [M(NS(3))(CNR)] (M = Re, 99mTc, NS(3) = 2,2',2"-nitrilotris(ethanethiol), CNR = functionalized isocyanide bearing a derivative of WAY 100635) have been synthesized and characterized. Re was used as Tc surrogate for chemical characterization and in vitro receptor-binding studies. For two representatives subnanomolar affinities for the 5-HT(1A) as well as for the alpha1-adrenergic receptor were reached. Biodistribution studies in rats of the 99mTc complexes showed brain uptakes between 0.3 and 0.5% ID/organ (5 min p.i.). In vitro autoradiography of one 99mTc representative in sections of post mortem human brain indicate its accumulation in 5-HT(1A) receptor-rich brain regions. However, addition of the specific 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT as well as the alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin could not substantially block this tracer accumulation. A preliminary SPET study in a monkey showed negligible brain uptake.

Small-angle X-ray studies of soot inception and growth

The high spectral intensity of X-rays produced by the undulator at the Basic Energy Sciences Synchrotron Radiation Center of Argonne's Advanced Photon Source has allowed us to perform small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of the initial distribution of soot particles formed by various fuels. SAXS provides an in situ probe of the morphology of soot in the region between 1 and 100 nm and complements the ex situ technique of electron microscopy. The basic aspects of SAXS and its potential are illustrated with measurement on a laminar flame of acetylene in air. The more complex fuel toluene has been studied in a flat-flame burner that supports a CH4/H2/air or CO/H2/air diffusion flame stabilized by N2 co-flow. This burner produces a nearly constant temperature region above the flame where the pyrolysis and combustion of the heavier fuels occurs. Kinetic information is obtained by performing measurements of the scattered intensity profile as a function of the height above the burner. These profiles have been reduced to give the mean radius and dispersion of a distribution of spherical particles. Mean radii between 0.8 and 18 nm have been observed. The smallest of these is a factor of ten smaller than previously detected with Lorentz-Mie scattering. Near 1550 K, the soot distribution found in toluene shows a distinct step behavior that is consistent with model calculations.