The global case fatality rate of coronavirus disease 2019 by continents and national income: A meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to provide a more accurate representation of COVID-19's case fatality rate (CFR) by performing meta-analyses by continents and income, and by comparing the result with pooled estimates. We used multiple worldwide data sources on COVID-19 for every country reporting COVID-19 cases. On the basis of data, we performed random and fixed meta-analyses for CFR of COVID-19 by continents and income according to each individual calendar date. CFR was estimated based on the different geographical regions and levels of income using three models: pooled estimates, fixed- and random-model. In Asia, all three types of CFR initially remained approximately between 2.0% and 3.0%. In the case of pooled estimates and the fixed model results, CFR increased to 4.0%, by then gradually decreasing, while in the case of random-model, CFR remained under 2.0%. Similarly, in Europe, initially, the two types of CFR peaked at 9.0% and 10.0%, respectively. The random-model results showed an increase near 5.0%. In high-income countries, pooled estimates and fixed-model showed gradually increasing trends with a final pooled estimates and random-model reached about 8.0% and 4.0%, respectively. In middle-income, the pooled estimates and fixed-model have gradually increased reaching up to 4.5%. in low-income countries, CFRs remained similar between 1.5% and 3.0%. Our study emphasizes that COVID-19 CFR is not a fixed or static value. Rather, it is a dynamic estimate that changes with time, population, socioeconomic factors, and the mitigatory efforts of individual countries.

The silent invaders: Oropouche and Melao viruses, causes of increased public health risks for the Americas.

The Oropouche virus (OROV) is emerging as a major public health threat worldwide, yet for the Americas, it raises complex challenges that intersect with other existing arboviral threats such as Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, it has spread across the Amazonian Basin and more recently into the Caribbean (Cuba and Haiti) and Europe, highlighting the importance of air travel in its dissemination. OROV and the less studied Melao virus (MELV), pose significant laboratory diagnostic challenges particularly in regions co-endemic with other arboviral diseases, such as dengue and Zika fever. The effects of climate change, particularly in the Caribbean, may exacerbate the transmission of these viruses by exposing human exposure risk to vectors. Public health systems in the Americas are under strain due to complex clinical management of these infections necessitating enhanced surveillance, clinical vigilance, diagnostics and vector control. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, elderly, and young children, are at a heightened risk, which raises concerns about the impact on medical tourism in the region. To mitigate the spread and impact of OROV and MELV, recommendations include increased clinical surveillance, improved laboratory diagnostics, public health communication, and strengthened vector controls. Robust research and capacity building (including training and education) efforts are essential to address knowledge gaps and effectively manage future OROV and MELV outbreaks in the Americas.

Prioritization of zoonoses of wildlife origin for multisectoral one health collaboration in Guyana, 2022.

Background: The human population in Guyana, located on the South American continent, is vulnerable to zoonotic diseases due to an appreciable reliance on Neotropical wildlife as a food source and for trade. An existing suboptimal health surveillance system may affect the effective monitoring of important zoonotic diseases. To effectively address this deficit, a One Health zoonotic disease prioritization workshop was conducted to identify nationally significant zoonoses. Methods: Prioritization of zoonotic diseases was conducted for the first time in Guyana & Caribbean region using literature review, prioritization criteria and a risk prioritization tool in combination with a consultative One Health workshop. This involved multisectoral experts from varied disciplines of social, human, animal, and environmental health to prioritize zoonotic diseases using a modified semi-quantitative One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) tool. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to pathogen hazards in existence among wildlife in Guyana during the hazard identification phase. Results: In total, fifty zoonoses were chosen for prioritization. Based on their weighted score, prioritized diseases were ranked in order of relative importance using a one-to-five selection scale. In Guyana, this zoonotic disease prioritization method is the first significant step toward bringing together specialists from the fields of human, animal, and environmental health. Following discussion of the OHZDP Tool output among disease experts, a final zoonotic disease list, including tuberculosis, leptospirosis, gastroenteritis, rabies, coronavirus, orthopoxvirus, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and hepatitis were identified as the top eight priority zoonoses in Guyana. Conclusions: This represents the first prioritization of nationally significant zoonotic diseases in Guyana and the English-speaking Caribbean. This One Health strategy to prioritize these eight zoonoses of wildlife origin is a step that will support future tracking and monitoring for disease prevalence among humans and wildlife and can be used as a decision-making guide for policymakers and stakeholders in Guyana.

First clinical reports of acute hantavirus and dengue infections among pregnant women in the Caribbean.

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus and dengue virus infections lead to diseases causing economic and public health concerns. Acute hantavirus infections can lead to similar clinical haemorrhagic signs as other endemic diseases including dengue and leptospirosis. METHODS: Using a retrospective case analysis of pregnant dengue and hantavirus disease patients with clinical reports and compatible clinical laboratory information during pregnancy, we report the first evidence of dengue and hantavirus infections and a case of dual dengue and hantavirus infection among pregnant women in the Caribbean. Laboratory testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) for DENV and for hantavirus infection pseudotype focus reduction neutralisation tests (pFRNT), ELISA and immunochromatographic (ICG) strips. RESULTS: Four pregnant cases with acute DENV infections were identified; however, only one out of the four cases (25%) had a detailed medical record to permit abstraction of clinical data. Six hantavirus infected pregnant cases were identified with gestation periods ranged from 36 to 39 weeks; none of the reported patients exhibited previous pregnancy complications prior to hospitalisation and infection. Acute liver damage was observed in three of the six cases (AST readings) who were subsequently diagnosed with hepatitis in pregnancy and variable clinical outcomes were observed with term and pre-term deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst hantavirus infection in pregnancy is rare, consideration should be given to differential diagnosis with fever, kidney involvement, liver involvement, haemorrhagic symptoms and thrombocytopenia in endemic areas with clinically similar diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis.HighlightsFirst recorded case of hantavirus and dengue co-infection in a pregnant woman.First detailed report of clinical hantavirus infection in pregnant women in the Caribbean.First published report of clinical dengue infection in pregnant woman in the Caribbean.Possible complications of pregnancy following hantavirus infection.Pre-term birth and low birth weights.Clinical course of hantavirus infection in a Caribbean population.

The Impact of Climate on Human Dengue Infections in the Caribbean.

Climate change is no longer a hypothetical problem in the Caribbean but a new reality to which regional public health systems must adapt. One of its significant impacts is the increased transmission of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, which is endemic in the region, and the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector responsible for transmitting the disease. (1) Methods: To assess the association between climatic factors and human dengue virus infections in the Caribbean, we conducted a systematic review of published studies on MEDLINE and Web of Science databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. (2) Results: In total, 153 papers were identified, with 27 studies selected that met the inclusion criteria ranging from the northern and southern Caribbean. Rainfall/precipitation and vapor pressure had a strong positive association with dengue incidence, whereas the evidence for the impact of temperatures was mixed. (3) Conclusions: The interaction between climate and human dengue disease in the Caribbean is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including waste management, infrastructure risks, land use changes, and challenged public health systems. Thus, more detailed research is necessary to understand the complexity of dengue within the wider Caribbean and achieve better dengue disease management.

Influence of Climatic Factors on Human Hantavirus Infections in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: With the current climate change crisis and its influence on infectious disease transmission there is an increased desire to understand its impact on infectious diseases globally. Hantaviruses are found worldwide, causing infectious diseases such as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS)/hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in tropical regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). These regions are inherently vulnerable to climate change impacts, infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses present in multiple rodent hosts resident in Neotropical ecosystems within LAC and are involved in hantavirus transmission. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to assess the association of climatic factors with human hantavirus infections in the LAC region. Literature searches were conducted on MEDLINE and Web of Science databases for published studies according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The inclusion criteria included at least eight human hantavirus cases, at least one climatic factor and study from > 1 LAC geographical location. RESULTS: In total, 383 papers were identified within the search criteria, but 13 studies met the inclusion criteria ranging from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Panama in Latin America and a single study from Barbados in the Caribbean. Multiple mathematical models were utilized in the selected studies with varying power to generate robust risk and case estimates of human hantavirus infections linked to climatic factors. Strong evidence of hantavirus disease association with precipitation and habitat type factors were observed, but mixed evidence was observed for temperature and humidity. CONCLUSIONS: The interaction of climate and hantavirus diseases in LAC is likely complex due to the unknown identity of all vertebrate host reservoirs, circulation of multiple hantavirus strains, agricultural practices, climatic changes and challenged public health systems. There is an increasing need for more detailed systematic research on the influence of climate and other co-related social, abiotic, and biotic factors on infectious diseases in LAC to understand the complexity of vector-borne disease transmission in the Neotropics.

Serological Evidence of Multiple Zoonotic Viral Infections among Wild Rodents in Barbados.

BACKGROUND: Rodents are reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens that can cause human infectious diseases, including orthohantaviruses, mammarenaviruses and orthopoxviruses. Evidence exists for these viruses circulating among rodents and causing human infections in the Americas, but much less evidence exists for their presence in wild rodents in the Caribbean. METHODS: Here, we conducted serological and molecular investigations of wild rodents in Barbados to determine the prevalence of orthohantavirus, mammarenavirus and orthopoxvirus infections, and the possible role of these rodent species as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Using immunofluorescent assays (IFA), rodent sera were screened for the presence of antibodies to orthohantavirus, mammarenavirus (Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-LCMV) and orthopoxvirus (Cowpox virus-CPXV) infections. RT-PCR was then conducted on orthohantavirus and mammarenavirus-seropositive rodent sera and tissues, to detect the presence of viral RNA. RESULTS: We identified antibodies against orthohantavirus, mammarenavirus, and orthopoxvirus among wild mice and rats (3.8%, 2.5% and 7.5% seropositivity rates respectively) in Barbados. No orthohantavirus or mammarenavirus viral RNA was detected from seropositive rodent sera or tissues using RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Key findings of this study are the first serological evidence of orthohantavirus infections in Mus musculus and the first serological evidence of mammarenavirus and orthopoxvirus infections in Rattus norvegicus and M. musculus in the English-speaking Caribbean. Rodents may present a potential zoonotic and biosecurity risk for transmission of three human pathogens, namely orthohantaviruses, mammarenaviruses and orthopoxviruses in Barbados.

Serological Evidence of Human Orthohantavirus Infections in Barbados, 2008 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is well-known in South and North America; however, not enough data exist for the Caribbean. The first report of clinical orthohantavirus infection was obtained in Barbados, but no other evidence of clinical orthohantavirus infections among adults in the Caribbean has been documented. METHODS: Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests followed by confirmatory testing with immunofluorescent assays (IFA), immunochromatographic (ICG) tests, and pseudotype focus reduction neutralization tests (pFRNT), we retrospectively and prospectively detected orthohantavirus-specific antibodies among patients with febrile illness in Barbados. RESULTS: The orthohantavirus prevalence rate varied from 5.8 to 102.6 cases per 100,000 persons among febrile patients who sought medical attention annually between 2008 and 2016. Two major orthohantavirus epidemics occurred in Barbados during 2010 and 2016. Peak orthohantavis infections were observed observed during the rainy season (August) and prevalence rates were significantly higher in females than males and in patients from urban parishes than rural parishes. CONCLUSIONS: Orthohantavirus infections are still occurring in Barbados and in some patients along with multiple pathogen infections (CHIKV, ZIKV, DENV and Leptospira). Orthohantavirus infections are more prevalent during periods of high rainfall (rainy season) with peak transmission in August; females are more likely to be infected than males and infections are more likely among patients from urban rather than rural parishes in Barbados.

Dengue Fever and Severe Dengue in Barbados, 2008-2016.

Analysis of the temporal, seasonal and demographic distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections in Barbados was conducted using national surveillance data from a total of 3994 confirmed dengue cases. Diagnosis was confirmed either by DENV-specific real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), or non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests; a case fatality rate of 0.4% (10/3994) was observed. The prevalence rate of dengue fever (DF) varied from 27.5 to 453.9 cases per 100,000 population among febrile patients who sought medical attention annually. DF cases occurred throughout the year with low level of transmission observed during the dry season (December to June), then increased transmission during rainy season (July to November) peaking in October. Three major dengue epidemics occurred in Barbados during 2010, 2013 and possibly 2016 with an emerging three-year interval. DF prevalence rate among febrile patients who sought medical attention overall was highest among the 10-19 years old age group. The highest DF hospitalisation prevalence rate was observed in 2013. Multiple serotypes circulated during the study period and Dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) was the most prevalent serotype during 2010, whilst DENV-1 was the most prevalent serotype in 2013. Two DENV-1 strains from the 2013 DENV epidemic were genetically more closely related to South East Asian strains, than Caribbean or South American strains, and represent the first ever sequencing of DENV strains in Barbados. However, the small sample size (n = 2) limits any meaningful conclusions. DF prevalence rates were not significantly different between females and males. Public health planning should consider DENV inter-epidemic periodicity, the current COVID-19 pandemic and similar clinical symptomology between DF and COVID-19. The implementation of routine sequencing of DENV strains to obtain critical data can aid in battling DENV epidemics in Barbados.

Analysis and reproducibility of 3'-Deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine positron emission tomography imaging in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Imaging tumor proliferation with 3'-deoxy-3'-[(18)F]fluorothymidine (FLT) and positron emission tomography is being developed with the goal of monitoring antineoplastic therapy. This study assessed the methods to measure FLT retention in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to measure the reproducibility of this approach. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Nine patients with NSCLC who were untreated or had progressed after previous therapy were imaged twice using FLT and positron emission tomography within 2 to 7 days. Reproducibility (that is, error) was measured as the percent difference between the two patient scans. Dynamic imaging was obtained during the first 60 min after injection. Activity in the blood was assessed from aortic images and the fraction of unmetabolized FLT was measured. Regions of interest were drawn on the plane with the highest activity and the adjacent planes to measure standardized uptake value (SUV(mean)) and kinetic variables of FLT flux. RESULTS: We found that the SUV(mean) obtained from 30 to 60 min had a mean error of 3.6% (range, 0.6-6.9%; SD, 2.3%) and the first and second scans were highly correlated (r(2) = 0.99; P < 0.0001). Using shorter imaging times from 25 to 30 min or from 55 to 60 min postinjection also resulted in small error rates; SUV(mean) mean errors were 8.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Compartmental and graphical kinetic analyses were also fairly reproducible (r(2) = 0.59; P = 0.0152 and r(2) = 0.58; P = 0.0175 respectively). CONCLUSION: FLT imaging of patients with NSCLC was quite reproducible with a worst case SUV(mean) error of 21% when using a short imaging time.

Serum LPS Associated with Hantavirus and Dengue Disease Severity in Barbados.

Hantavirus and dengue virus (DENV) infections are caused by RNA viruses which infect immune systems' cells including monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells and occur year-round in Barbados. A retrospective serological study (2008-2015) was conducted on hantavirus and dengue patient sera confirmed by IgM and IgG ELISA, NS1 and RT-PCR using Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) kinetic turbidimetric method to determine serum endotoxin levels. Hantavirus patients were categorized into two groups, namely (a) hospitalized and (b) non-hospitalized. Dengue patients were categorized into 3 groups using 2009 WHO dengue guidelines (a) severe dengue (SD), (b) hospitalized non-severe dengue (non-SD) and (c) non-hospitalized non-SD. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the association of endotoxin levels with hantavirus disease severity based on hospitalization and dengue disease severity. Serum endotoxin levels are associated with hantavirus disease severity and hospitalization and dengue disease severity (p < 0.01). Similar studies have found an association of serum endotoxin levels with dengue disease severity but never with hantavirus infection. Co-detection of hantavirus- and DENV-specific IgM in some patients were observed with elevated serum endotoxin levels. In addition, previous studies observed hantavirus replication in the gut of patients, gastrointestinal tract as a possible entry route of infection and evidence of microbial translocation and its impact on hantavirus disease severity. A significant correlation of serum endotoxin and hantavirus disease severity and hospitalization in hantavirus infected patients is reported for the first time ever. In addition, serum endotoxin levels correlated with dengue disease severity. This study adds further support to the role of endotoxin in both hantavirus and dengue virus infection and disease severity and its role as a possible therapeutic target for viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs).

Microfluidic Assembly of siRNA-Loaded Micelleplexes for Tumor Targeting in an Orthotopic Model of Ovarian Cancer.

The use of cationic polymers to interact with negatively charged siRNA via charge complexation to form polyelectrolyte complexes has been widely studied ever since the 1998 report on RNA interference. These polyelectrolyte complex formulations aim to overcome the many pitfalls associated with the use of RNA interference as a potential cancer therapy. The triblock copolymer polyethylenimine-polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol (PEI-PCL-PEG) contains the cation PEI and has been shown to be an efficient carrier capable of complexing with nucleic acids for gene delivery. This copolymer system also allows for targeting moieties to be linked to the micelleplex, thereby exploiting overexpressed receptors (such as the folate receptor) located within tumors. Additionally, we demonstrated recently that microfluidic mixing of PEI-PCL-PEG nanoparticles allows for the rapid, scaled-up production of micelleplexes while maintaining small and uniform particle distributions. The preparation of small and reproducible particles is imperative for clinical translation of nanomedicine and for tumor targeting via systemic administration. Furthermore, to enable tracing of its deposition in vivo after its administration, micelleplexes can be radiolabeled. To assess tumor targeting over time, the noninvasive imaging technique single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) offers the ability to examine the same subject at multiple time points and generate biodistribution profiles. Since the biodistribution and tumor targeting of the therapeutic load of micelleplexes is of foremost interest, we recently described an approach to modify siRNA with a DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) chelator. Herein, we explain the details of encapsulating indium-labeled siRNA via microfluidic mixing in PEI-PCL-PEG nanoparticles with a folic acid targeting ligand for assessment of their in vivo tumor targeting in an orthotopic ovarian cancer model.

Correlating quantitative tumor accumulation and gene knockdown using SPECT/CT and bioluminescence imaging within an orthotopic ovarian cancer model.

Using an orthotopic model of ovarian cancer, we studied the delivery of siRNA in nanoparticles of tri-block copolymers consisting of hyperbranched polyethylenimine-graft-polycaprolactone-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (hyPEI-g-PCL-b-PEG) with and without a folic acid targeting ligand. A SKOV-3/LUC FRα overexpressing cell line was employed to mimic the clinical manifestations of ovarian cancer. Both targeted and non-targeted micelleplexes were able to effectively deliver siRNA to the primary tumor and its metastases, as measured by gamma scintillation counting and confocal microscopy. Stability of the micelleplexes was demonstrated with a serum albumin binding study. Regarding biodistribution, intravenous (I.V.) administration showed a slight advantage of FRα targeted over non-targeted micelleplex accumulation within the tumor. However, both formulations displayed significant liver uptake. On the other hand, intraperitoneally (I.P.) injected mice showed a modest 6% of the injected dose per gram (ID/g) uptake within the primary and most interestingly also in the metastatic lesions which subsequently resulted in a 62% knockdown of firefly luciferase expression in the tumor after a single injection. While this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first paper that correlates quantitative tumor accumulation in an orthotopic tumor model with in vivo gene silencing, these data demonstrate that PEI-g-PCL-b-PEG-Fol conjugates are a promising option for gene knockdown in ovarian cancer.

Using Radiolabeled 3'-Deoxy-3'-18F-Fluorothymidine with PET to Monitor the Effect of Dexamethasone on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, and pemetrexed-based therapies are regularly used to treat nonsquamous NSCLC. Despite widespread use, pemetrexed has a modest effect on progression-free survival, with varying efficacy between individuals. Recent work has indicated that dexamethasone, given to prevent pemetrexed toxicity, is able to protect a subset of NSCLC cells from pemetrexed cytotoxicity by temporarily suppressing the S phase of the cell cycle. Therefore, dexamethasone might block treatment efficacy in a subpopulation of patients and might be contributing to the variable response to pemetrexed. Methods: Differences in retention of the experimental PET tracer 3'-deoxy-3'-fluorothymidine (FLT) were used to monitor S-phase suppression by dexamethasone in NSCLC cell models, animals with tumor xenografts, and patients with advanced cancer. Results: Significant reductions in tracer uptake were observed after 24 h of dexamethasone treatment in NSCLC cell lines and xenograft models expressing high levels of glucocorticoid receptor α, coincident with pemetrexed resistance visualized by attenuation of the flare effect associated with pemetrexed activity. Two of 4 patients imaged in a pilot study with 18F-FLT PET after dexamethasone treatment demonstrated reductions in tracer uptake from baseline, with a variable response between individual tumor lesions. Conclusion:18F-FLT PET represents a useful method for the noninvasive monitoring of dexamethasone-mediated S-phase suppression in NSCLC and might provide a way to individualize chemotherapy in patients receiving pemetrexed-based regimens.

Biodistribution, PET, and radiation dosimetry estimates of HSV-tk gene expression imaging agent 1-(2'-Deoxy-2'-18F-Fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil in normal dogs.

UNLABELLED: FIAU is of interest as a potential reporter probe to monitor herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene expression and bacterial infections. This study investigates the biodistribution, metabolism, and DNA uptake of 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-(18)F-fluoro-beta-d-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil ((18)F-FIAU) in normal dogs. METHODS: Four normal dogs were intravenously administered (18)F-FIAU. A dynamic PET scan was performed for 60 min over the upper abdomen; this was followed by a whole-body scan for a total of 150 min on 3 dogs. The fourth dog was not scanned and was euthanized at 60 min. Blood and urine samples were collected at stipulated time intervals and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography to evaluate tracer clearance and metabolism. Tissue samples collected from various organs were analyzed to evaluate tracer uptake and DNA incorporation. Dynamic accumulation of the tracer in different organs was derived from reconstructed PET images. Nondecay-corrected time-activity curves were used for residence time calculation and absorbed dose estimation. RESULTS: At 60 min after injection, unmetabolized FIAU radioactivity in blood and urine samples was greater than 78% and 63%, respectively, demonstrating resistance to metabolism. The tissue-to-muscle ratio derived from image and tissue analysis showed a slightly higher uptake in proliferating organs (mean tissue-to-muscle values: small intestine, 1.97; marrow, 1.70) compared with nonproliferative organs (heart, 1.07; lung, 1.06). A high concentration of activity was seen in the bile (mean, 23.02), demonstrating hepatobiliary excretion of the tracer. Extraction analysis of tissue samples showed that >62% of the activity in the small intestine, 74% in marrow, and <21% in heart, liver, and muscle was incorporated into DNA. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that FIAU is resistant to metabolism and moderately incorporates into DNA in proliferating tissues. These results suggest that incorporation into the DNA of normal tissues may need to be considered when FIAU is used to track reporter gene activity. Studies in humans are needed to determine whether imaging properties differ in patients and are altered as a result of metabolism changes affected by gene therapies.

Tumor imaging using 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-18F-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)thymine and PET.

UNLABELLED: The kinetics of 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-d-arabinofuranosyl)thymine (FMAU) were studied using PET to determine the most appropriate and simplest approach to image acquisition and analysis. The concept of tumor retention ratio (TRR) is introduced and validated. METHODS: Ten patients with brain (n = 4) or prostate (n = 6) tumors were imaged using (18)F-FMAU PET (mean dose, 369 MBq). Sixty-minute dynamic images were obtained; this was followed by whole-body images. Mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmean and SUVmax, respectively) of each tumor were determined as the mean over 3 planes of each time interval. For kinetic analyses, blood activity was measured in 18 samples over 60 min. Samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography at 3 selected times to determine tracer metabolites. FMAU kinetics were measured using a 3-compartment model yielding the flux (K1 x k3/(k2 + k3)) (K1, k2, and k3 are rate constants) and compared with TRR measurements. TRR was calculated as the tumor (18)F-FMAU uptake area under the curve divided by the product of blood (18)F-FMAU AUC and time. A similar analysis was performed using muscle to estimate (18)F-FMAU delivery. RESULTS: SUVmean measurements obtained from 5 to 11 min correlated with those obtained from 30 to 60 min (r(2) = 0.92, P < 0.0001) and 50 to 60 min (r(2) = 0.92, P < 0.0001) due to the rapid clearance of (18)F-FMAU. Similar results were obtained using SUVmax measurements (r(2) = 0.93, P < 0.0001; r(2) = 0.88, P < 0.0001, respectively). The measurement of TRR using either blood or muscle activity over 11 min provided results comparable to those of 60-min dynamic imaging and a 3-compartment model. This analysis required only 5 blood samples drawn at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 11 min without metabolite correction to produce comparable results. CONCLUSION: Tissue retention ratio measurements obtained over 11 min can replace flux measurements in (18)F-FMAU imaging. The SUVmean and the SUVmax in 5-11 min images correlated well with those of images obtained at 50-60 min. The quality of the images and tissue kinetics in 11 min of imaging makes it a desirable and shorter tumor imaging option.

Isolation and genetic characterization of avian influenza viruses and a Newcastle disease virus from wild birds in Barbados: 2003-2004.

Zoonotic transmission of an H5N1 avian influenza A virus to humans in 2003-present has generated increased public health and scientific interest in the prevalence and variability of influenza A viruses in wild birds and their potential threat to human health. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds are regarded as the primordial reservoir of all influenza A viral subtypes and have been repeatedly implicated in avian influenza outbreaks in domestic poultry and swine. All of the 16 hemagglutinin and nine neuraminidase influenza subtypes have been isolated from wild birds, but waterfowl of the order Anseriformes are the most commonly infected. Using 9-to-11-day-old embryonating chicken egg culture, virus isolation attempts were conducted on 168 cloacal swabs from various resident, imported, and migratory bird species in Barbados during the months of July to October of 2003 and 2004. Hemagglutination assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to screen all allantoic fluids for the presence of hemagglutinating agents and influenza A virus. Hemagglutination positive-influenza negative samples were also tested for Newcastle disease virus (NDV), which is also found in waterfowl. Two influenza A viruses and one NDV were isolated from Anseriformes (40/168), with isolation rates of 5.0% (2/40) and 2.5% (1/40), respectively, for influenza A and NDV. Sequence analysis of the influenza A virus isolates showed them to be H4N3 viruses that clustered with other North American avian influenza viruses. This is the first report of the presence of influenza A virus and NDV in wild birds in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Liposomal 64Cu-PET Imaging of Anti-VEGF Drug Effects on Liposomal Delivery to Colon Cancer Xenografts.

Liposomes (LP) deliver drug to tumors due to enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). LP were labeled with 64Cu for positron emission tomography (PET) to image tumor localization. Bevacizumab (bev), a VEGF targeted antibody, may modify LP delivery by altering tumor EPR and this change can also be imaged. Objective: Assess the utility of 64Cu-labeled LP for PET in measuring altered LP delivery early after treatment with bev. Methods: HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma tumors were grown subcutaneously in SCID mice. Empty LP MM-DX-929 (Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cambridge, MA) were labeled with 64CuCl2 chelated with 4-DEAP-ATSC. Tumor-bearing mice received ~200-300 µCi of 64Cu-MM-DX-929 and imaged with microPET. All mice were scanned before and after the treatment period, in which half of the mice received bev for one week. Scans were compared for changes in LP accumulation during this time. Initially, tissues were collected after the second PET for biodistribution measurements and histological analysis. Subsequent groups were divided for further treatment. Tumor growth following bev treatment, with or without LP-I, was assessed compared to untreated controls. Results: PET scans of untreated mice showed increased uptake of 64Cu-MM-DX-929, with a mean change in tumor SUVmax of 43.9%±6.6% (n=10) after 7 days. Conversely, images of treated mice showed that liposome delivery did not increase, with changes in SUVmax of 7.6%±4.8% (n=12). Changes in tumor SUVmax were significantly different between both groups (p=0.0003). Histology of tumor tissues indicated that short-term bev was able to alter vessel size. Therapeutically, while bev monotherapy, LP-I monotherapy, and treatment with bev followed by LP-I all slowed HT-29 tumor growth compared to controls, combination provided no therapeutic benefit. Conclusions: PET with tracer LP 64Cu-MM-DX-929 can detect significant differences in LP delivery to colon tumors treated with bev when compared to untreated controls. Imaging with 64Cu-MM-DX-929 is sensitive enough to measure drug-induced changes in LP localization which can have an effect on outcomes of treatment with LP.

Effects of capecitabine treatment on the uptake of thymidine analogs using exploratory PET imaging agents: 18F-FAU, 18F-FMAU, and 18F-FLT.

BACKGROUND: A principal goal for the use of positron emission tomography (PET) in oncology is for real-time evaluation of tumor response to chemotherapy. Given that many contemporary anti-neoplastic agents function by impairing cellular proliferation, it is of interest to develop imaging modalities to monitor these pathways. Here we examined the effect of capecitabine on the uptake of thymidine analogs used with PET: 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine (18F-FLT), 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-ß-D-arabinofuranosyl) thymidine (18F-FMAU), and 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-ß-D-arabinofuranosyl) uracil (18F-FAU) in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: Fifteen patients were imaged, five with each imaging agent. Patients had been previously diagnosed with breast, colorectal, gastric, and esophageal cancers and had not received therapy for at least 4 weeks prior to the first scan, and had not been treated with any prior fluoropyrimidines. Subjects were imaged within a week before the start of capecitabine and on the second day of treatment, after the third dose of capecitabine. Tracer uptake was quantified by mean standard uptake value (SUVmean) and using kinetic analysis. RESULTS: Patients imaged with 18F-FLT showed variable changes in retention and two patients exhibited an increase in SUVmean of 172.3 and 89.9 %, while the other patients had changes ranging from +19.4 to -25.4 %. The average change in 18F-FMAU retention was 0.2 % (range -24.4 to 23.1) and 18F-FAU was -10.2 % (range -40.3 to 19.2). Observed changes correlated strongly with SUVmax but not kinetic measurements. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that patients treated with capecitabine can produce a marked increase in 18F-FLT retention in some patients, which will require further study to determine if this flare is predictive of therapeutic response. 18F-FAU and 18F-FMAU showed little change, on average, after treatment.

Integrating Dynamic Positron Emission Tomography and Conventional Pharmacokinetic Studies to Delineate Plasma and Tumor Pharmacokinetics of FAU, a Prodrug Bioactivated by Thymidylate Synthase.

FAU, a pyrimidine nucleotide analogue, is a prodrug bioactivated by intracellular thymidylate synthase to form FMAU, which is incorporated into DNA, causing cell death. This study presents a model-based approach to integrating dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) and conventional plasma pharmacokinetic studies to characterize the plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics of FAU and FMAU. Twelve cancer patients were enrolled into a phase 1 study, where conventional plasma pharmacokinetic evaluation of therapeutic FAU (50-1600 mg/m2 ) and dynamic PET assessment of 18 F-FAU were performed. A parent-metabolite population pharmacokinetic model was developed to simultaneously fit PET-derived tissue data and conventional plasma pharmacokinetic data. The developed model enabled separation of PET-derived total tissue concentrations into the parent drug and metabolite components. The model provides quantitative, mechanistic insights into the bioactivation of FAU and retention of FMAU in normal and tumor tissues and has potential utility to predict tumor responsiveness to FAU treatment.