Protocol for Clinical GLP-1 Receptor PET/CT Imaging with [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-Exendin-4.

Imaging with radiolabeled exendin enables detection and characterization of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) in vivo with high specificity. The novel radiotracer [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 forms a stable complex after a simple and fast labeling procedure. Beta-cell mass in the islets of Langerhans can be visualized using [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4, which is promising for research into diabetes mellitus (DM) pathophysiology. Furthermore, this radiotracer enables very sensitive detection of insulinomas, resulting from vast overexpression of GLP-1Rs, and seems promising for the detection of focal lesions in congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Here, we describe the procedures involved in [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging including the radiolabeling of the NODAGA-exendin conjugate with 68Ga, quality controls, and PET/CT.

Relationship between nasal mucociliary clearance and disease severity in children with allergic rhinitis: A comparative cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is impaired due to chronic inflammation in allergic rhinitis. Our aim was to evaluate MCC in children with allergic rhinitis, to determine its relationship with disease severity and evaluate MCC change after nasal irrigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saccharin test was performed in 51 patients with allergic rhinitis and in 50 controls. Nasal irrigation was performed to the patients and saccharin test was repeated at the 10th minute. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) results were recorded. Patients were divided into mild/moderate-severe groups according to TNSS, VAS, and ARIA guidelines. Nasal MCC time (NMCCT) of the patients and the controls and NMCCT before and after nasal irrigation of the patients were compared. Correlations between NMCCT and TNSS/VAS were evaluated. NMCCTs of the mild and moderate-severe groups were compared. The cut-off values were calculated to discriminate the patient group. RESULTS: The mean NMCCT of the patient group was higher than the controls. Mean NMCCTs were different between before and after irrigation. NMCCT was higher in uncontrolled/moderate-severe groups than in controlled/mild groups. NMCCT correlated positively with VAS and TNSS. The sensitivity and specificity of NMCCT > 535 s were found to be 86.27% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In children with allergic rhinitis, the prolongation of MCC may be identified with the easily applicable saccharin test, the deterioration in MCC increases as disease severity increases. Nasal irrigation is important in children with allergic rhinitis to improve MCC

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Relationship between nasal mucociliary clearance and disease severity in children with allergic rhinitis: A comparative cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is impaired due to chronic inflammation in allergic rhinitis. Our aim was to evaluate MCC in children with allergic rhinitis, to determine its relationship with disease severity and evaluate MCC change after nasal irrigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saccharin test was performed in 51 patients with allergic rhinitis and in 50 controls. Nasal irrigation was performed to the patients and saccharin test was repeated at the 10th minute. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) results were recorded. Patients were divided into mild/moderate-severe groups according to TNSS, VAS, and ARIA guidelines. Nasal MCC time (NMCCT) of the patients and the controls and NMCCT before and after nasal irrigation of the patients were compared. Correlations between NMCCT and TNSS/VAS were evaluated. NMCCTs of the mild and moderate-severe groups were compared. The cut-off values ​​were calculated to discriminate the patient group. RESULTS: The mean NMCCT of the patient group was higher than the controls. Mean NMCCTs were different between before and after irrigation. NMCCT was higher in uncontrolled/moderate-severe groups than in controlled/mild groups. NMCCT correlated positively with VAS and TNSS. The sensitivity and specificity of NMCCT>535s were found to be 86.27% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In children with allergic rhinitis, the prolongation of MCC may be identified with the easily applicable saccharin test, the deterioration in MCC increases as disease severity increases. Nasal irrigation is important in children with allergic rhinitis to improve MCC.

Effect of local use of L-carnitine after myringotomy on myringosclerosis development in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of local and intraperitoneal administration of L-carnitine on the prevention of experimentally induced myringosclerosis, and to compare treatment efficiency. METHODS: Twenty-four Albino-Wistar rats (48 ears) were bilaterally myringotomised and divided randomly into four groups: group one received no treatment, group two received intraperitoneal L-carnitine, group three received local L-carnitine, and group four received both intraperitoneal and local L-carnitine. On the 15th day after treatment, tympanic membranes were harvested and evaluated histopathologically for myringosclerotic plaque formation, fibroblastic proliferation, tympanic membrane thickness and new vessel formation. RESULTS: The group one tympanic membranes showed extensive thickness, and the incidence of myringosclerosis and fibroblast proliferation were greater than in groups two and four. There were statistically significant differences in tympanic membrane thickness between groups three and four, and in myringosclerosis incidence and fibroblast proliferation, comparing groups two, three and four. CONCLUSION: Myringosclerosis development was significantly reduced in rats receiving myringotomy plus intraperitoneal L-carnitine. Intraperitoneal L-carnitine administration prevented fibroblastic proliferation and tympanic membrane thickening (both of which cause further tympanic membrane destruction), thus reducing myringotomy-associated morbidity. Local L-carnitine administration had limited effectiveness in this experimental setting.

Factors predicting iliac metastasis and overall survival in malignant melanoma of the lower extremities.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the patient-related, disease-related and treatment-related factors in a group of melanoma patients to assess their impact on iliac metastasis and on overall survival. METHODS: Medical records of thirty-nine patients with lower extremity malignant melanoma were retrospectively reviewed to confirm all of the clinical data. Age and gender were recorded as patient-related factors. Tumor location, size, histology, ulceration status, and TNM stage, Breslow thickness, Clark level, presence of inguinal LN metastases, and locoregional metastases (local recurrences, in transit metastases and regional LN metastases) were evaluated as disease-related factors. Type of surgery (en block excision of primary tumor, en block excision of primary tumor and inguinal lymph node dissection, en block excision of primary tumor and ilioinguinal lymph node dissection) and postoperative chemotherapy were taken into account as treatment-related factors. RESULTS: The presence of inguinal lymph node metastases was significantly associated with iliac metastasis (p = 0.015). Tumor size (p = 0.046), tumor TNM stage (p = 0.009), Breslow thickness (p = 0.033), Clark level (p = 0.029), presence of in transit metastases (p = 0.010) and postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.002) has been related to impaired overall survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic lymph node dissection appears to carry a small but definite therapeutic benefit. Selection of appropriate patients for the more extensive procedure would be ideal, but at present there are no well proven selection criteria. The authors advocate therapeutic dissection when the inguinal lymph nodes are involved.

Protective effects of vitamins E, B and C and L-carnitine in the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamins E, B and C and L-carnitine in preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. METHODS: Twenty-five adult, male, Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to receive intraperitoneal cisplatin either alone or preceded by vitamins B, E or C or L-carnitine. Auditory brainstem response (i.e. hearing thresholds and wave I-IV intervals) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (i.e. signal-to-noise ratios) were recorded before and 72 hours after cisplatin administration. RESULTS: The following statistically significant differences were seen: control group pre- vs post-treatment wave I-IV interval values (p < 0.05); control vs vitamin E and B groups' I-IV interval values (p < 0.05); control vs other groups' hearing thresholds; vitamin E vs vitamin B and C and L-carnitine groups' hearing thresholds (p < 0.05); and vitamin B vs vitamin C and L-carnitine groups' hearing thresholds (p < 0.05). Statistically significant decreases were seen when comparing the initial and final signal-to-noise ratios in the control, vitamin B and L-carnitine groups (2000 and 3000 Hz; p < 0.01), and the initial and final signal-to-noise ratios in the control group (at 4000 Hz; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Vitamins B, E and C and L-carnitine appear to reduce cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats. The use of such additional treatments to decrease cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in humans is still under discussion.

Kinetics of swelling-breakdown of a W/O/W multiple emulsion: possible mechanisms for the lipophilic surfactant effect.

The properties and behavior of a W/O/W multiple emulsion formulation were analyzed during a swelling-breakdown process. Various experimental analyses, such as granulometry, rheology and conductimetry were performed, as well as a micropipette aspiration method. The predominant role of the lipophilic surfactant during the swelling phase confirmed. Two different mechanism can be proposed. Both imply the migration of the lipophilic surfactant from one interface to another and probably take place successively. The lipophilic surfactant could diffuse from the first to the second interface, thus rigidifying the membrane, or from the oily phase to the first interface, resulting in delayed coalescence of the aqueous droplets during swelling.