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Recent advances in systemic therapy have had major impacts on treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The 2022 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines incorporate a new section on clinical decision-making for personalized medicine, although the first treatment suggested by the BCLC guidelines is based on solid scientific evidence. More than ever before, the appropriate treatment strategy must be selected prior to the initiation of therapy for HCC. Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI) is essential for liver imaging and the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of EOB-MRI reflects the expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporters. Molecules associated with OATP expression are relevant in the molecular classification of HCC subclasses, and EOB-MRI is becoming increasingly important with advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of HCC. In this review, we describe imaging findings for the pretreatment prediction of response to standard therapies for HCC based on the BCLC algorithm using the HBP of EOB-MRI, with specific attention to the molecular background of OATPs. A more complete understanding of these findings will help radiologists suggest appropriate treatments and clinical follow-ups and could lead to the development of more personalized treatment strategies in the future. Clinical relevance statement: In the coming era of personalized medicine, HBP of EOB-MRI reflecting molecular and pathological factors could play a predictive role in the therapeutic efficacy of HCC and contribute to treatment selection. Key Points: • Imaging features of hepatobiliary phase predict treatment efficacy prior to therapy and contribute to treatment choice. • Wnt/β-catenin activation associated with organic anion transporting polypeptide expression is involved in the tumor immune microenvironment and chemo-responsiveness. • Peritumoral hypointensity of hepatobiliary phase reflecting microvascular invasion affects the therapeutic efficacy of locoregional to systemic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Liming is widely known as a cost-efficient agricultural practice to reduce cadmium (Cd) concentration in rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain (CdR) in the short term. However, the effect of long-term continuous liming on CdR-reduction in the context of other environmental controls remains unknown. Methods: We quantified the temporal stability of CdR-reduction in response to biannually continuous liming and its correlations with dynamic soil properties and weather conditions based on a 7-year field experiment in a subtropical double-cropping rice ecosystem in a moderately Cd-contaminated acidic soil. Results: The CdR value declined by 51–90% with liming without compromising the rice yield. The degree of CdR-reduction was similar between early and late rice seasons. However, the between-year CdR-reduction was variable, remaining relatively stable in the first three years and fluctuating in the last four years. Soil pH and Olsen-P concentration at the ripening stage rose significantly, while the concentrations of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd, Mn, and Zn in soil remained unaffected. The soil pH did not further increase after the second year of liming. The soil pH and Olsen-P concentration were positively correlated with cumulative liming, but the CdR and CdR-reduction exhibited no correlations with cumulative liming. The CdR was correlated negatively with precipitation but positively with temperature and sunshine duration. Conclusions: The effect of 7-year continuous liming on CdR-reduction was temporally unstable and had no significant cumulative effect on CdR. The between-year CdR-reduction was not controlled by accumulative liming but primarily by dynamic soil properties and weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation loads and compositions of solid phases are calculated during the separation of TPE and REE from solutions generated in the course of SNF reprocessing. Sorption from weakly concentrated solutions under the action of high radiation loads in the upper part of the sorption column leads to the sorbent decomposition, up to 30% of its original capacity. The hydroxide forms of iron, chromium, aluminum and nickel pass from the solid to the liquid phase and generate gel-like precipitates under the action of high radiation loads, which block the sorption column. During elution, aluminum is washed out in the TPE region and forms a protonated complex with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), which precipitates at room temperature. This precipitate in the unheated connecting lines of the plant can bring about blocking of the separation columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize the acidizing efficiency during stimulation treatments with chelating agents. The performance of hydroxylethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in stimulating carbonate rocks were investigated. In this paper, the effect of injection rate, chemical type, pH, and concentration on the stimulation performance was studied. Also, the optimum treatment conditions were identified utilizing the acid volume and treatment time. Different measurements were carried out, including solubility tests, coreflooding experiments, and CT scan analysis. Solubility tests were performed to study the impact of solution concentration and pH on the performance of the chelating agent. Coreflooding experiments were carried out at high-pressure, high-temperature conditions to assess the performance of chelating agents in different treatment situations. In addition, CT scan analysis was carried out before and after the acid injections to capture the changes induced in the carbonate matrix due to the stimulation treatment. The success of acidizing treatment was identified by the creation of the dominant wormholes. The pressure-drop profiles and the CT scan analysis were used to confirm the generation of wormholes. Finally, the normalized volume and time to breakthrough were utilized to identify the optimum treatment conditions. In this work, chelating agents successfully created dominant wormholes (WHs) in carbonate rocks at different injection rates and treatment conditions. However, applying an injection rate between 0.7 and 1 cm3/min significantly improved the acidizing performance and reduced the acid volume that was required to create wormholes. EDTA and HEDTA chelating agents showed better performance at low pH. Using a solution pH of 4.5 resulted in reducing the acid volume by 30% compared to using a solution pH of 10 at the same conditions. However, DTPA chelating agent showed better performance at high pH, and dominant WHs were created at a pH of 12 using less acid volume. Finally, the optimum acidizing treatment can be achieved by using EDTA chelating agent with a concentration of 9.25 wt.% and pH of 4.5. Applying the optimum treatment parameters can reduce the acid volume by 40% and the chemical cost by a factor of 6, on average. Overall, this study indicates that chelating agents' solution can be injected at optimum conditions in terms of chemical concentration, pH, and injection rate, to maximize the treatment efficiency and reduce the cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread globally, and in particular among people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Malawi, dietary sources of Zn are dominated by maize and spatially dependent variation in grain Zn concentration, which will affect dietary Zn intake, has been reported at distances of up to ~ 100 km. The aim of this study was to identify potential soil properties and environmental covariates which might explain this longer-range spatial variation in maize grain Zn concentration. Data for maize grain Zn concentrations, soil properties, and environmental covariates were obtained from a spatially representative survey in Malawi (n = 1600 locations). Labile and non-labile soil Zn forms were determined using isotopic dilution methods, alongside conventional agronomic soil analyses. Soil properties and environmental covariates as potential predictors of the concentration of Zn in maize grain were tested using a priori expert rankings and false discovery rate (FDR) controls within the linear mixed model (LMM) framework that informed the original survey design. Mean and median grain Zn concentrations were 21.8 and 21.5 mg kg−1, respectively (standard deviation 4.5; range 10.0–48.1). A LMM for grain Zn concentration was constructed for which the independent variables: soil pH(water), isotopically exchangeable Zn (ZnE), and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Zn (ZnDTPA) had predictive value (p < 0.01 in all cases, with FDR controlled at < 0.05). Downscaled mean annual temperature also explained a proportion of the spatial variation in grain Zn concentration. Evidence for spatially dependent variation in maize grain Zn concentrations in Malawi is robust within the LMM framework used in this study, at distances of up to ~ 100 km. Spatial predictions from this LMM provide a basis for further investigation of variations in the contribution of staple foods to Zn nutrition, and where interventions to increase dietary Zn intake (e.g. biofortification) might be most effective. Other soil and landscape factors influencing spatially dependent variation in maize grain Zn concentration, along with factors operating over shorter distances such as choice of crop variety and agronomic practices, require further exploration beyond the scope of the design of this survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of the formation of cobalt(iii) complexes with anions of iminodiacetic, nitrilotriacetic, ethylenediaminetetraacetic, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acids in aqueous solutions by the peroxide oxidation of cobalt(ii) polyaminopolycarboxylates was studied by spectrophotometry and potentiometry. The optimum conditions for the formation of coordination cobalt particles in the highly oxidized state were selected, and the composition of the formed cobalt(iii) chelates was determined. Data on the thermodynamic stability of the coordinatively bound cobalt particles, specific features of the kinetics of peroxide oxidation, and the influence of the concentrations of the main components and acidity of the solutions on the rate of redox processes of cobalt(iii) polyaminopolycarboxylate formation were obtained. It was found that a strong catalytic decomposition of the reagent-oxidant at pH > 4.0 occurs during the formation of oxygenated intermediates in solutions of mononuclear ethylenediaminetetraacetate and binuclear diethylenetriamine-pentaacetate complexes of cobalt(ii). Based on the NMR spectroscopy data, a mechanism for the formation of the oxygenated particles was proposed. It was shown that diamagnetic binuclear oxygenated chelates of cobalt(iii) are characterized by low kinetic stability, which leads to the deoxygenation and formation of weakly paramagnetic mononuclear complexes of cobalt(iii). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sorption extraction of Pu and Am from nitric acid simulation solutions were studied on a solid extractant (TVEX) AXIONIT MND 40T in a static mode. It is shown that the distribution coefficients of Pu and Am on TVEX reach maximum values ​​in 7.5 M HNO3. Desorbing solutions were selected that make it possible to selectively extract the target components from the TVEX phase. For effective desorption of Pu, it is advisable to use a reducing desorbing solution of the following composition: 3.5 M HNO3, 10 g/L ascorbic acid (C6H8O6), 0.2 M N2H4; for desorption of Am, a solution of 10 g/L diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) with pH 5–6. The values ​​of the full dynamic exchange capacity (FDEC) of TVEX for Pu and Am were 12 and 16 g/L, respectively. The fundamental possibility of sorption separation of Pu and Am from real intermediate-level liquid wastes (ILW) of chemical and metallurgical production (CMP) at TVEKS was established. A two-stage sorption technique for the separation of Pu and Am from liquid ILW of CMP was developed, which provides for the adjustment of the HNO3 concentration in solutions, the extraction of Pu on the Purolite S957 cation exchange resin, the concentration of Am from the filtrate on the TVEX, the desorption of Pu and Am from the sorbent phase, the regeneration of the TVEX, and the additional purification of the Am desorbate on the cation exchange resin Purolite S957 if it is necessary to yield a purified 241Am concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Enzymatic polysorbate (PS) degradation and resulting free fatty acid (FFA) particles are detrimental to biopharmaceutical drug product (DP) stability. Different types and grades of polysorbate have varying propensity to form FFA particles. This work evaluates the homogenous all-oleate (AO) PS80 alongside heterogeneous PS20 and PS80 grades in terms its propensity to form FFA particles and other important attributes like interfacial protection and oxidation susceptibility. Methods: FFA particle formation rates were compared by degrading PS using non-immobilized hydrolases and fast degrading DP formulations. Interfacial protection of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was assessed by agitation studies in saline using non-degraded and degraded PS. Several antioxidants were assessed for their ability to mitigate AO PS80 oxidation and subsequent mAb oxidation by a 40°C placebo stability study and a 2, 2′-Azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride stress model, respectively. Results: Visible and subvisible particles were significantly delayed in AO PS80 formulations compared with heterogeneous PS20 and PS80 formulations. Non-degraded AO PS80 was less protective of mAbs against the air-water interface compared with heterogeneous PS20. Interfacial protection by AO PS80 improved upon degradation owing to high surface activity of FFAs. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) completely mitigated AO PS80 oxidation unlike L-methionine and N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan. However, DTPA did not mitigate radical mediated mAb oxidation. Conclusion: AO PS80 is a promising alternative to reduce FFA particle formation compared with other PS types and grades. However, limitations observed here---such as lower protection against interfacial stresses and higher propensity for oxidation---need to be considered in assessing the risk/benefit ratio in using AO PS80. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel post-synthetic method combining the microwave (MW)-assisted dealumination and hydrothermal (HT) alkaline treatment for obtaining mesoporous Y zeolite catalysts is presented. In the first-step MW-assisted dealumination of the pristine Y zeolite, both the mineral acid (i.e. hydrochloric acid, HCl) and organic carboxylic acids (e.g. oxalic and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) were used (all at 0.16 M), and their effects on the physical and chemical properties of the resulting modified zeolites (after the identical HT alkaline treatment using 0.2 M sodium hydroxide solution) are studied in detail by comprehensive characterisation of the bulk silicon-to-aluminium (SAR) ratio, crystallinity and textural properties. The findings show that, in the developed sequential method, (i) HCl was only effective to achieve the hydrolysis of the zeolite, (ii) carboxylic acids with the function of chelation was very capable of extracting Al species and creating mesopores, and (iii) the mesopores formation is a function of the number of coordination sites in the carboxylic acid. The hierarchical feature of the mesopores in the modified zeolites (using carboxylic acids) was probed by the model reaction of aldol condensation of 1-heptanal with benzaldehyde for the selective formation of jasminaldehyde. The normalised selectivity to jasminaldehyde (with respect to the strong acidity) was proportionally related to the specific mesopores volume of the zeolites, revealing hierarchical porous networks in the relevant modified Y zeolites and indicating the effect of hierarchical mesopores in the zeolites on their catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No imaging modality can be used to evaluate Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD). We retrospectively reviewed hepatic gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) characteristics of patients within 1 year post-Fontan procedure, and we evaluated the association between hepatic imaging abnormalities and clinical parameters, including follow-up cardiac catheterization and laboratory test findings. The EOB-MR images were graded, based on the extent of the decreased enhancement, as "normal" (Grade 1), "segmental" (Grade 2), "regional" (Grade 3), and "diffuse" (Grade 4). We enrolled 37 patients (mean age, 3.5 ± 1.0 years): 9 patients had Grade 1 or 2; 14 patients, Grade 3; and 14 patients, Grade 4. EOB-MRI revealed characteristic reticular or mosaic patterns of diminished enhancement (i.e. "frog spawn" appearance). Ultrasonography did not detect diminished enhancement or "frog spawn" appearance. A trend existed toward increased grade severity in imaging with increased central venous pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels. Noninvasive EOB-MRI revealed the characteristic pattern of diminished enhancement, which was correlated with certain clinical parameters indicative of Fontan physiology and liver dysfunction. Early-stage FALD may occur soon after the Fontan procedure and is associated with increased pressure in the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aminopolycarboxylic acids (APCAs), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), are used as decontamination agents throughout the nuclear industry; therefore, APCAs are often found in radioactive waste. Limits of acceptance on APCAs are imposed on wastes consigned to the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) because, when present in the waste, the ligands have the potential to mobilise otherwise surface-bound or solid radionuclides, making them available for transport to groundwater and ultimately to the bio-sphere. A selective and sensitive methodology to detect and quantify these ligands in a range of complex matrices is advantageous in supporting waste acceptance processes. A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure has been applied for quantification of EDTA, DTPA and NTA in their Fe(III)-complex form. Method validation results show linearity (r2 > 0.999), precision (intra/inter-day %RSD ≤ 10%), accuracy (recovery = 100 ± 3%), sensitivity (minimum limits of detection = 0.31, 0.38 and 4.3 μM for EDTA, DTPA and NTA, respectively) and selectivity (simultaneous determination of the three APCA complexes achieved with baseline resolution) for Fe(III)-APCAs in aqueous solution. Chromatographic peak overlap is observed for samples containing Fe(III)- and Co(III)-EDTA; two deconvolution methods (2D least-squares fitting vs. PARAFAC) were applied to resolve the peaks and the performances compared. The optimised HPLC method was applied to trench leachate samples from the LLWR site. EDTA was detected with 0.4 μM < concentrations < 1 μM in samples from four of the six sampling locations tested. The levels are not considered sufficient to increase the risk of radionuclide mobilisation. The technique is considered to be robust and will be considered further in informing limits of acceptance on APCAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the efficacy of signal intensity in interstitial and hepatobiliary phase normalized for liver volume, on gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, for the evaluation of liver function through the comparison with Child–Pugh (CP), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), and biochemical tests. Methods: All dynamic Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI studies performed in patients with suspected liver lesions were retrospectively reviewed. The rate of liver-to-muscle ratio on T1 sequence 70 s (interstitial phase) and 20 min (hepatobiliary phase) after injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA was calculated for each MRI study and then normalized for liver volume (irINTnorm and irHEPnorm). Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess the correlation among these values and CP and MELD scores, and biochemical tests. Results: A total of 303 MRI studies, performed on 221 patients, were included. Mean age was 63.8 years ± 12.9 with a majority of male patients (186; 61.4%). A total of 186 out of 303 (61.4%) were cirrhotic patients. The irHEPnorm was significantly lower in cirrhotic than non-cirrhotic patients (0.0004 ± 0.0002 to 0.0005 ± 0.0003, p = 0.010). This value had a moderate, significant correlation with Child–Pugh and MELD scores (R = − 0.292, p < 0.0001 and R = − 0.192, p = 0.010, respectively). In particular, irHEPnorm progressively decreased from Child–Pugh A to C (0.0004–0.0002, p < 0.0001) and from MELD ≤ 10 to 19–24 (0.0004–0.0003, p = 0.018). Among biochemical parameters, total bilirubin, GOT, and albumin had the strongest correlation with irHEPnorm (R = − 0.258, − 0.291, and 0.262, p < 0.0001, respectively). No correlations were found between irINTnorm and CP and MELD scores. Conclusion: irHEPnorm value derived from Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI is a reliable, non-invasive, useful tool to quantify liver function and to assess the degree of cirrhosis, offering a strict relationship with clinical scores and biochemical parameters. This could help surgeons in clinical decision-making, allowing them to choose the more suitable surgical approach for cirrhotic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at the preparation of 177Lu-CHX-A″-DTPA-Rituximab injection at the hospital pharmacy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rituximab was conjugated with CHX-A″-DTPA-NCS and the CHX-A″-DTPA-Rituximab conjugate was radiolabeled with 177Lu in > 95% purity. The product exhibited excellent in vitro stability up to 5 days at 37 °C. In vitro cell binding studies in Raji cells confirmed the specificity of 177Lu-CHX-A″-DTPA-Rituximab to CD20 antigen. The radioimmunoconjugate exhibited predominantly hepatobiliary clearance and low bone uptake in Swiss mice. Preliminary clinical studies corroborated the usefulness of 177Lu-CHX-A″-DTPA-Rituximab for therapy of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate changes in liver function after right portal vein embolization (PVE) and extended right hemihepatectomy using gadolinium ethoxybenzyl-DTPA-enhanced (Gd-EOB-DTPA) MRI.Methods: In this prospective trial, 37 patients undergoing PVE were examined before and 14 and 28 days after PVE and 10 days after extended hemihepatectomy using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Lobar volume, kinetic growth rate (KGR), relative enhancement (RE) as well as hepatocellular uptake index (HUI) and fat signal fraction (FSF) were calculated for each lobe.Results: RE of the left liver lobe (LLL) was steadily increasing after PVE and decreased to 0.48 ± 0.19 10 days after surgery, which is significantly lower than 14 days and 28 days post PVE (P < 0.05). KGR was 14.06 ± 9.82%/week for the period from PVE to 14 days after PVE. HUI of the LLL increased steadily after PVE and was significantly higher at both 14 and 28 days after PVE compared to pre PVE (P < 0.05). HUI of the residual liver after surgery was lower than before.Conclusions: Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI may be used to monitor the functional increase in the FLR after PVE and to depict the intraoperative liver injury leading to a decrease in liver remnant function.Key Points: • The most significant FLR volume increase happens within the first 14 days. • No MRI parameter was able to predict the success of FLR growth. • Our data suggest an early resection about 14 days after PVE. • Routine Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI might be suitable to replace ICG-test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of the spatial heterogeneity of somatostatin receptor (SSR) volume, quantified as asphericity (ASP), and to predict response to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN).Procedures: From June 2011 to May 2013, patients suffering from GEP-NEN who underwent pretherapeutic [111In-DTPA0]octreotide scintigraphy (Octreoscan®) prior to [177Lu-DOTA0-Tyr3]octreotate ([177Lu]DOTATATE)-PRRT were enrolled in this retrospective evaluation. SSR expression in 20 NEN patients was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed using the Krenning score, the metastasis to liver uptake ratio (M/L ratio), and ASP at baseline. Response to PRRT was evaluated based on lesions, which were classified as responding lesions (RL) and non-responding lesions (NRL) after 4- and 12-month follow-ups. The values of the Krenning score, M/L ratio, and ASP for response prediction were compared by using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: Seventy-seven metastases (liver, n = 40; lymph node, n = 24; bone, n = 11; pancreas, n = 2) showed SSR expression. A higher ASP level was significantly associated with poorer response at both time points. ROC analyses revealed the highest area under the curve (AUC) for discrimination between RL and NRL for ASP after 4 months (AUC 0.97; p = 0.019) and after 12 months (AUC 0.96; p < 0.001), followed by the Krenning score (AUC 0.74; p = 0.082 and AUC 0.85; p < 0.001, respectively) and M/L ratio (AUC 0.77; p = 0.107 and AUC 0.82; p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for ASP was 5.12 % (sensitivity, 90 %; specificity, 93 %).Conclusion: Asphericity of SSR-expressing lesions in pretherapeutic single-photon emission computed tomography with integrated computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is a promising parameter for predicting response to PRRT in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glomerular hyperfiltration has recently been reported in children with malignancies and has been attributed to increased solute from breakdown of tumor tissues.Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hyperfiltration in the pediatric oncology population and explore its pathophysiological mechanism.Materials and Methods: Tc-99 m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) examinations (437 studies) and medical records of 177 patients <21 years of age diagnosed with a malignancy between January 2005 and October 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Hyperfiltration was defined as a GFR ≥ 160 ml/min/1.73 m2.Results: Seventy-seven (43.5%) patients had hyperfiltration in at least one GFR exam. A significantly higher percentage of patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors (63.6%) had hyperfiltration when compared to other tumor types (27.3%, P < 0.001). No association was found between hyperfiltration and age, gender, race or bone marrow involvement. There was a significant trend toward decreasing hyperfiltration after the second cycle of chemotherapy (P = 0.006) and a significant increase in subjects with low GFR (<100 ml/min/1.73 m2) with increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy (P = 0.005).Conclusion: Glomerular hyperfiltration is common in children with malignancies at diagnosis and during initial cycles of chemotherapy. It is particularly prevalent in patients with central nervous tumors, which are frequently smaller in volume. Therefore, the pathophysiological mechanism of hyperfiltration cannot be explained solely on the basis of large tumor volume and subsequent cell breakdown. We hypothesize that host hypermetabolic state plays an important role in pathophysiology of hyperfiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Increasing both yield and grain zinc (Zn) concentration (GZC) are the two important goals of maize production in China and elsewhere in the world. However, it is not clear whether soil application of Zn fertilizer could realize high yield and GZC. The current study aimed to examine how soil Zn application affects yield and GZC and what is the optimal DTPA-Zn for high yield and GZC requirement. Methods: A 3-year field experiment with Zn fertilizer application rates of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 kg ZnSO•7HO ha was conducted. Results: Soil Zn application significantly increased soil DTPA-Zn concentrations, maize yield, GZC and kernels number per spike; and decreased the length of barren ear tips. In each of these cases, the level of response was highly related to the quantity of Zn added to soil. The optimal soil DTPA-Zn concentration was 4.7 mg kg required to attain high yields and was 7.6 mg kg required to attain high GZC, respectively. Conclusion: Soil Zn fertilization can increase simultaneously both grain yield and GZC and achieved the biofortification of maize with Zn, and its realization depended on the available Zn concentrations in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic mechanism of Cr(III) reduction in the presence of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and nitrate ions is studied theoretically and experimentally by using stripping square-wave voltammetry (SWV). Experimental curves are in excellent agreement with theoretical profiles corresponding to a catalytic reaction of second kind. This type of mechanism is equivalent to a CE mechanism, where the chemical reaction produces the electroactive species. Accordingly, the reaction of Cr(III)-HO-DTPA and $$ {\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-} $$ would produce the electroactive species Cr(III)-NO-DTPA and this last species would release $$ {\mathrm{NO}}_2^{-} $$ to the solution during the electrochemical step. In this regard, the complex of Cr(III)-DTPA would work as the catalyzer that allows the reduction of $$ {\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-} $$ to $$ {\mathrm{NO}}_2^{-} $$ . Furthermore, it was found that the electrochemical reaction is quite irreversible, with a constant of k = 9.4 × 10 cm s, while the constant for the chemical step has been estimated to be k = 1.3 × 10 s. Considering that the equilibrium constant is K = 0.01, it is possible to estimate the kinetic constants of the chemical reaction as k = 1 × 10 s and k = 1.29 × 10 s. These values of k and k indicate that the exchange of water molecules by nitrate is fast and that the equilibrium favors the complex with water. Also, a value for the formal potential E°' ≈ −1.1 V was obtained. The model used for simulating experimental curves does not consider the adsorption of reactants yet. Accordingly, weak adsorption of reagents should be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) is a unique hepatocyte-specific contrast agent approved for clinical use in the United States in 2008. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR has shown to improve detection and characterization of hepatic lesions. Gd-EOB-DTPA is now being routinely used in daily clinical practice worldwide. Therefore, it is important for radiologists to be familiar with the potential uses and pitfalls of Gd-EOB-DTPA, which extends beyond the assessment of focal hepatic lesions. The purpose of this article is to review the various usages of Gd-EOB-DTPA in hepatobiliary MR imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A more immediate impact for therapeutic approaches of current clinical research efforts is of major interest, which might be obtained by developing a noninvasive radiation dose-escalation strategy, and neutron capture therapy represents one such novel approach. Furthermore, some recent researches on neutron capture therapy have focused on using gadolinium as an alternative or complementary for currently used boron, taking into account several advantages that gadolinium offers. Therefore, in this study, we carried out feasibility evaluation for both single and multiple injections of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent incorporated in calcium phosphate nanoparticles as neutron capture therapy agent. Methods: In vivo evaluation was performed on colon carcinoma Col-26 tumor-bearing mice irradiated at nuclear reactor facility of Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute with average neutron fluence of 1.8 × 10 n/cm. Antitumor effectivity was evaluated based on tumor growth suppression assessed until 27 days after neutron irradiation, followed by histopathological analysis on tumor slice. Results: The experimental results showed that the tumor growth of irradiated mice injected beforehand with Gd-DTPA-incorporating calcium phosphate-based nanoparticles was suppressed up to four times higher compared to the non-treated group, supported by the results of histopathological analysis. Conclusion: The results of antitumor effectivity observed on tumor-bearing mice after neutron irradiation indicated possible effectivity of gadolinium-based neutron capture therapy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diethylenetriaminetetraacetic acid-based bifunctional reagents containing a bound Eu ion and a reactive group capable of interacting with proteins or low-molecular-weight compounds have been synthesized. These reagents are intended for use in lanthanide immunofluorimetric assay with a dissociation-enhancing solution (DELFIA). A complexonate of Eu and N-(2-aminoethylamide) of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) has been obtained by acylation of N-Boc-1,2-ethylenediamine with DTPA dianhydride with subsequent unblocking of the amino group and chelation of Eu ions. The metal chelate was used to synthesize conjugates with horseradish peroxidase and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone 3-( O-carboxymethyloxime). The conjugate of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone 3-( O-carboxymethyloxime) with a metal chelate has been shown to retain affinity for the respective antibodies in an immunochemical DELFIA system. A complexonate of Eu and DTPA N-[2-( p-(succinimidylcarboxy)benzoylamino)ethylamide] has been obtained by acylation of the aminocomplexonate by p-phtalic acid di- N-succinimide ester and used to synthesize conjugates with human serum albumin and certain immunoglobulins G. The amount of Eu bound to the modified proteins was inferred from the fluorescence of the conjugates dissolved in a dissociation-enhancing solution. Fluorescence intensity, background fluorescence, sensitivity, and specificity achieved using the monoclonal antibody conjugates obtained according to the procedure proposed were sufficient for use of the conjugates in DELFIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Non-simple nodules in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) correlate with poor prognosis. Therefore, we examined the diagnostic ability of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for diagnosing the macroscopic classification of small HCCs.Methods: A total of 85 surgically resected nodules (≤30 mm) were analyzed. HCCs were pathologically classified as simple nodular (SN) and non-SN. By evaluating hepatobiliary phase (HBP) of EOB-MRI and Kupffer phase of CEUS, the diagnostic abilities of both modalities to correctly distinguish between SN and non-SN were compared.Results: Forty-six nodules were diagnosed as SN and the remaining 39 nodules as non-SN. The area under the ROC curve (AUROCs, 95% confidence interval) for the diagnosis of non-SN were EOB-MRI, 0.786 (0.682-0.890): CEUS, 0.784 (0.679-0.889), in combination, 0.876 (0.792-0.959). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 64.1%, 95.7%, and 81.2% in EOB-MRI, 56.4%, 97.8%, and 78.8% in CEUS, and 84.6%, 95.7%, and 90.6% in combination, respectively. High diagnostic ability was obtained when diagnosed in both modalities combined. The sensitivity was especially statistically significant compared to CEUS.Conclusion: Combined diagnosis by EOB-MRI and CEUS can provide high-quality imaging assessment for determining non-SN in small HCCs.Key Points: • Non-SN has a higher frequency of MVI and intrahepatic metastasis than SN. • Macroscopic classification is useful to choose the treatment strategy for small HCCs. • Diagnostic ability for macroscopic findings of EOB-MRI and CEUS were statistically equal. • The diagnosis of macroscopic findings by individual modality has limitations. • Combined diagnosis of EOB-MRI and CEUS provides high diagnostic ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a simple, sensitive and regenerable fluorescent nanoprobe for Zn(II) ion. It is based on the use of glutathione capped CdTe quantum dots (GSH-CdTe Q-dots). The bright fluorescence of these Q-dots is quenched on addition of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) due to the binding of DTPA to GSH. If, however, Zn(II) is added, it will bind DTPA and detach it from the surface of the Q-dots, this resulting in the fluorescence recovery. Under optimum conditions, the intensity of the restored fluorescence is proportional to the concentration of Zn(II) in the 0.48 to 90 μmol · L range, with a limit of detection of 0.14 μmol · L. The nanoprobe was applied to the determination of Zn(II) in spiked tap water and river water and gave satisfactory results. The findings were also applied to design a molecular logic gate where DTPA acts as the first input to the system by quenching the fluorescence of the GSH-CdTe Q-dots. Zn(II) acts as the second input and causes the detachment of DTPA from the Q-dots and a restoration of fluorescence. This system therefore represents a new IMP (IMPLICATION) logic gate. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of heterometallic oxovanadium( iv) diethylenetriaminepentaacetates with titanium( iii), chromium( iii), cobalt( ii), nickel( ii), and manganese( ii) cations in aqueous solutions was studied by spectrophotometry and pH-metry. The stabilizing influence of heterometallic chelation on an unstable oxidation state of Ti and the labilizing effect of oxovanadium( iv) cations on the coordination of Cr cations by the carboxylate ligand anions in the heterometallic complex were shown. The optimum conditions for the formation of the heterometallic dtpa complexes were selected and their thermodynamic stability was estimated. The states of the oxovanadium( iv) cations in the monoand heteroligand systems involving polyamine, polyaminopolycarboxylate, and alkylpolyphosphonate ligands were studied. Specific features of ligand coordination and formation of the mixed-ligand chelates were investigated. A variety of molecular compositions of complex oxovanadium( iv) oxyethylenediphosphonate particles formed in ranges of pH 2.2-3.0, 4.5-5.5, and 6.3-6.4 was found. The preferability of formation of polynuclear oxovanadium( iv) oxyethylidenediphosphonates, viz., binuclear particles with oxovanadium( iv) cation to ligand molar ratios of 2 : 1 and 2 : 5 and trinuclear particles with a molar ratio of components of 3 : 2, was shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The penta ethyl ester of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) can be used as a prodrug for decorporation of radionuclides in the event of an internal radiation incidents with transuranic elements. A C18 chromatography purification method was successfully developed using a step elution profile to isolate 0.5-3 g of the four ethyl esters of DTPA. Less than 11 % of the isolated di-ethyl and tri-ethyl esters of DTPA, and less than 20 % of the tetra-ethyl ester of DTPA, had degraded in phosphate buffered saline over a 168 h period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the change in remaining kidney function after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy using serial technetium 99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) scans and investigated the factors affecting the course. Methods: Data from 155 donors were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. All donors underwent consecutive DTPA scans preoperatively and 1 month, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. We investigated the longitudinal change in renal function after surgery and analyzed parameters to influence the perioperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) change. Results: The changes in GFR according to the DTPA scan presented significant improvement from 1 month up to 2 years after donation (all p < 0.001). The DTPA-GFR of the remaining kidney increased by 14.8 % to 58.2 ± 10.6 ml/min/1.73 m ( p < 0.001) and by 33.9 % to 78.0 ± 14.0 ml/min/1.73 m at 1 month and 1 year after surgery, respectively ( p < 0.001). Only 21.9 % of donors categorized into chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 or more at 1 year after donation were <60 ml/min/1.73 m according to DTPA-GFR. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the increase in DTPA-GFR at 1 year was negatively associated with patient age ( p = 0.005), BMI ( p = 0.04) and preoperative DTPA-GFR of remaining kidney ( p = 0.009). Conclusions: The DTPA-GFR of remaining kidney increased steadily for up to 2 years after surgery. Younger donors with lower body mass index and those with lower initial function of the remaining kidney demonstrated a greater increase in DTPA-GFR after nephrectomy. Many of the donors with CKD stage 3 after donation have good renal function according to the results of DTPA-GFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravenous gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) on estimation of liver stiffness using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for detection of liver fibrosis. Materials and methods: Liver MRI with MRE was performed in 210 subjects on a single 1.5 Tesla clinical MRI scanner. Liver MRE was performed before intravenous Gd-DTPA injection (NC-MRE) and 5 minutes post injection (PC-MRE) using a modified phase-contrast gradient-echo sequence (TR/TE=100/27ms, FOV=30-46cm, 4x10mm slices, gap 5mm) which automatically generated stiffness maps. Two readers' blinded to clinical details independently performed liver stiffness measurements (LSM) by drawing 2 or more regions of interest (ROI) on the stiffness maps on each of the four slices of NC-MRE and PC-MRE obtained for each patient. The mean LSM in kilopascals (kPa) for NC-MRE and PC-MRE was calculated. The correlation between NC-MRE and PC-MRE LSM was evaluated with a paired t test and Pearson's correlation analysis, and the inter-observer correlation was evaluated using intra class coefficient (ICC) analysis. A receiver operating curve analysis (ROC) was performed to compare accuracies for detection and staging of liver fibrosis in a subgroup of 72 subjects with histological confirmation of liver fibrosis. Results: There was an excellent correlation between NC-MRE and PC-MRE LSM (R=0.98, p<0.001) with no significant differences. The interobserver agreement was also excellent (ICC, 0.94-0.99). There were no significant differences in the cut-off LSM value/accuracy/sensitivity/specificity for detection of significant liver fibrosis with NC-MRE and PC-MRE (2.98kPa/98.5%/100%/88%, p<0.001 and 3.1kPa/98.2%/98%/88%, p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Intravenous Gd-DTPA had no significant influence on LSM with MRE and does not significantly affect the diagnostic performance of MRE for fibrosis detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chylothorax is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of esophagectomy. A 72-year-old man underwent thoracoscopy-assisted subtotal esophagectomy and reconstruction with a gastric tube, through a retrosternal route, after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Chylothorax was detected after starting enteral feeding on postoperative day (POD) 7. Despite conservative therapy such as fasting, total parenteral nutrition, and octreotide administration, massive fluid drainage continued. On POD 19, lymphoscintigraphy with Tc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-human serum albumin (HSA-D) was performed and the site of leakage was detected at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra. On POD 23, the thoracic duct was ligated, following which the volume of chylothorax decreased. Lymphoscintigraphy 12 days after the reoperation showed no leakage from the thoracic duct. We recommend lymphoscintigraphy with Tc-HSA-D for locating the chyle leakage site and helping decide about the operative indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researches Tc recovery process at presence of divalent Sn(II) were made to determine necessary and sufficient amount of Sn(II), which would provide its full reducibleness in the reaction mixture. That the solution of Tc eluate reacts directly with the solution of modified DTPA and SnCl the content of radiochemical impurity (RCI) of the unreduced Tc(VII) in the labeled nanocolloid is 2.7 %, while the yield of the nanocolloid with the size of 100 nm is approximately 80 %. The results of researches prove the nanocolloid actively gets into the lymphatic system after injection, thus indicating its functional usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[In]-DTPA-Amlodipine complex ([In]-DTPA-AMLO) was prepared starting high purity [In]indium chloride and conjugated DTPA-AMLO in 30 min at room temperature in acetate buffer in high radiochemical purity (>99 %, RTLC/HPLC; specific activity: 8-10 GBq/mmol). The log P, stability, biodistribution studies and imaging studies in untreated and amlodipine-pretreated rats were determined. The tracer is mostly washed out through kidneys as expected for a dihydropyridine compound. Blocking studies demonstrated high specific binding of the tracer in calcium channel-rich organs including intestine, heart and colon. SPECT images fully supported above results in normal and treated rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optically active and racemic Bn-DTPA analogues were evaluated for potential decorporation of radioactive lanthanides. Complexation kinetics of the Bn-DTPA analogues with Sr(II), Ce(III), and Ce(IV) was measured using arsenazo III-based spectroscopic method. The Bn-DTPA analogues effectively and rapidly bound to Sr(II), Ce(III), and Ce(IV). Bn-DTPA was orally administered to mice and evaluated for decorporation of Sr and compared to that of the clinically available Ca(II)-DTPA. (rac)-Bn-DTPA removed Sr in mice more efficiently than DTPA. The Bn-DTPA analogues are promising decorporation agents for potential removal of Sr, Ce, and Ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) performance during dynamic (DYN) phases, hepatobiliary (HB) phase and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) compared with pathological findings in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with different conditions, such as stage of chronic liver disease, histological grading, nodule size, and occurrence of previous treatments. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 64 nodules reported as HCC at pathological analysis on 28 explanted livers, examined about 3 months before OLT using a 1.5 T device and 16 channels array after intravenous GD-EOB-DTPA injection. Lesions features and hepatic functional values were recorded for each patient. Two radiologists performed in consensus the analysis of nodules on DYN, HB, and DWI. MR findings were compared with those of pathological anatomy. Diagnostic indicators were calculated for each technique. Results: DYN and HB showed no statistically significant difference in sensitivity (88% and 98%, respectively), diagnostic accuracy (90.6% and 99.9%), and specificity (both 100%), for all Child-Pugh scores, gradings, sizes, and presence or absence of previous treatments. DWI had a statistically significant lower sensitivity compared to DYN ( p = 0.001) and HB ( p < 0.0001); its sensitivity was significantly inferior for Child-Pugh Class B nodules than for Child-Pugh Class A ones ( p = 0.00005). DWI sensitivity presented a significant increase ( p = 0.03) with grading and presence of previous treatments ( p = 0.0006). ADC values showed no statistically significant changes with Child-Pugh score, grading and nodules size; statistically significant increase was instead found for treated vs. untreated nodules ( p = 0.016). Conclusions: In a multiparametric HCC MRI assessment, DYN and HB play the leading role, with DWI faring acceptably well for Child-Pugh Class A nodules and treated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of fusion of pre- and post-ablation gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI) to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), compared with similarly fused CT images Patients and methods: This retrospective study included 67 patients with 92 HCCs treated with RFA. Fusion images of pre- and post-RFA dynamic CT, and pre- and post-RFA Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI were created, using a rigid registration method. The minimal ablative margin measured on fusion imaging was categorized into three groups: (1) tumor protruding outside the ablation zone boundary, (2) ablative margin 0-<5.0 mm beyond the tumor boundary, and (3) ablative margin ≥5.0 mm beyond the tumor boundary. The categorization of minimal ablative margins was compared between CT and MR fusion images. Results: In 57 (62.0%) HCCs, treatment evaluation was possible both on CT and MR fusion images, and the overall agreement between them for the categorization of minimal ablative margin was good (κ coefficient = 0.676, P < 0.01). MR fusion imaging enabled treatment evaluation in a significantly larger number of HCCs than CT fusion imaging (86/92 [93.5%] vs. 62/92 [67.4%], P < 0.05). Conclusions: Fusion of pre- and post-ablation Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI is feasible for treatment evaluation after RFA. It may enable accurate treatment evaluation in cases where CT fusion imaging is not helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The macroscopic type of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a predictor of prognosis. We clarified the diagnostic value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the macroscopic classification of nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as compared to angiography-assisted computed tomography (CT). Methods: A total of 71 surgically resected nodular HCCs with a maximum diameter of ≤5 cm were investigated. HCCs were evaluated preoperatively using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and angiography-assisted CT. HCCs were pathologically classified as simple nodular (SN), SN with extranodular growth (SN-EG), or confluent multinodular (CMN). SN-EG and CMN were grouped as non-SN. Five readers independently reviewed the images using a five-point scale. We examined the accuracy of both imaging modalities in differentiating between SN and non-SN HCC. Results: Overall, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ( A) for the diagnosis of non-SN did not differ between Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and angiography-assisted CT [0.879 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.779-0.937) and 0.845 (95 % CI, 0.723-0.919), respectively]. For HCCs >2 cm, the A for Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was greater than 0.9. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for identifying non-SN were equal to or higher than values with angiography-assisted CT in all three categories (all tumors, ≤2 cm, and >2 cm), but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Using Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to assess the macroscopic findings in nodular HCC was equal or superior to using angiography-assisted CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical principles and practical characteristics are reported for an extraction process for REE and TPE partitioning using an extractant based on chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide (CCD) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Joint extraction of REE and TPE is performed from a ≤1 M HNO solution with a solution of CCD and PEG in a polar diluent. The TPE stripping is performed with an aqueous solution of a complexing agent (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) and an organic base (urea or thiourea). Trials on an extraction rig in Gatchina showed that the process can be successfully used for exhaustive recovery of REE and TPE from real Purex process raffinates and for their subsequent partitioning, with reaching the required process parameters. The results of semicommercial trials of the REE/TPE partitioning process on the extraction installation of the Mayak Production Association are reported. The trials were performed on such scale for the first time in the world. In reprocessing of 40 m of high-level raffinates, good results were obtained with respect to the process hydrodynamics, REE/TPE partitioning, and their separation from impurity elements. The process has high potential for use in HLW reprocessing technologies at new radiochemical plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of radioactive impurities in beryllium of TV-56 grade, irradiated in the SM reactor to a neutral fluence F = 6 × 10 cm ( E > 0.1 MeV), was calculated, and a procedure for beryllium decontamination by its precipitation with ammonium hydroxide in the presence of a complexone, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), was studied. Beryllium hydroxide was converted from amorphous (gel) to crystalline form. The concentration of radioactive impurities from a solution containing irradiated beryllium on iron(III) hydroxide was also studied. The radioactivity of solutions obtained after each purification step was measured. The results obtained can be useful for refabrication of irradiated beryllium (including commercial process) for its reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Agroforestry parklands are an important agricultural practice in southern Mali where trees such as the Shea ( Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) improve soil fertility and crop growth. However, it is not known whether Shea trees can ameliorate Zn-deficient soils or improve Zn uptake from soils of high-Zn, mafic origin. Methods: A total of 22 Shea trees preserved in traditional parklands with sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) were selected from two soil parent material (PM) types (mafic and non-mafic). Sorghum grain and soil samples were taken along a transect from the bole to 12 m beyond the canopy and analyzed for soil and grain parameters including diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable soil-Zn and grain-Zn concentration. Results: Zn-deficient soils were observed with most occurring at non-mafic PM. Mean DTPA-extractable Zn concentrations ranged from 0.55-2.98 μg g in mafic soils and 0.34-1.02 μg g in non-mafic soils. PM influenced soil available-Zn, but not grain-Zn concentration. Both soil available-Zn and grain-Zn concentrations decreased away from trees with grain-Zn concentration not consistently decreasing across all soils. Conclusions: These results suggest that Shea trees grown in soils derived from mafic PM can improve soil-Zn availability, but that other growth factors are more important in determining grain-Zn content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A subcutaneous transport pathway in humans has been previously visualised by injection of a paramagnetic tracer into the specific region of skin. In the current study, we further investigated the behaviours of imaging tracers in the transport pathways using imaging techniques. Three types of imaging tracers, including Gd-DTPA, iodised oil, and fluorescein sodium, were hypodermically injected into different acupuncture points of healthy volunteers to visualise the transport pathways by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, CT, and a digital fluorescein camera. Several longitudinal transport pathways in the arms and feet, which represent venous vessels and subcutaneous transport pathways (STPs) without well-defined boundaries, were visualised by MRI. Among the visualised veins, the partial walls of a few veins were enhanced by Gd-DTPA. The fluorescent images further indicated that STPs likely represent boundless pathways. The findings in this study suggested that specific anatomical structures within the subcutaneous tissues or the partial walls of certain veins were not vascular conduits but rather represented unique transport pathways in humans that warrant extensive future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) is an octadentate aminopolycarboxylate complexing agent whose f-element complexes find important practical applications in nuclear medicine and in advanced nuclear fuel reprocessing. This investigation focuses primarily on the latter application, specifically on characterization of lanthanide-DTPA complexes of relevance to the Trivalent Actinide-Lanthanide Separations by Phosphorus reagent Extraction and Aqueous Komplexants (TALSPEAK) process. To function acceptably, the TALSPEAK process requires the presence of moderate concentrations (0.5-2.0 mol·L) of a (Na/H) lactate (or citrate) buffer. Competition between DTPA, lactate, and the extractant bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) for the lanthanides and trivalent actinides governs the course of the extraction process. To facilitate modeling and to support process improvements, the acid dissociation constants and stability constants for rare earth complexes with DTPA have been determined in 2.0 mol·L ionic strength (NaClO) media. The acid dissociation constants for DTPA and the stability constant for [Eu(DTPA)] also were determined in sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate at 2.0 mol·L ionic strength to evaluate the potential impact of changing the nature of the electrolyte. The thermodynamic data are compared with earlier reports of similar data at lower ionic strength and used to complete calculations exploring the relative stability of lanthanide-DTPA and lactate complexes under TALSPEAK extraction conditions. Lanthanide-DTPA stability trends are discussed in comparison with literature data on a variety of other metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly employed as the initial DMARD used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to contribute to the safety profile of MTX by assessing its cumulative effect on renal filtration. A total of 52 RA adult female patients with normal baseline serum creatinine and GFR at the initial diagnosis of the disease were included. Group 1 (G1) included 30 patients (mean age 40.4 ± 4.4 years) on MTX and NSAIDS, while 22 RA patients (mean age 38.5 ± 8.2 years) who received NSAIDs only served as control group (G2). Renal function was assessed by GFR measurement using technetium diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Tc-99 m DTPA) at a point of the study time corresponding to disease duration. Twenty-one out of thirty (70 %) in G1 showed reduced GFR compared to 6/22 (27.3 %) in G2 ( P = 0.007), with 3.3 ± 0.5 % annual reduction in GFR. Reduced GFR in G1 showed significant negative correlation with age ( r = −0.396, P = 0.005), MTX cumulative dose ( r = −0.263, P = 0.049), MTX-intake duration ( r = −0.293, P = 0.031) and NSAIDs-intake duration ( r = −0.344, P = 0.014). Low-dose MTX has a slow cumulative effect on renal filtration manifested by GFR reduction overtime that could be monitored by Tc-99 m DTPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) substituted and diethylenetriaminopentaacetic acid (DTPA) substituted aminated free-base tetraphenylporphyrins (HATPP) and the corresponding lutetium(III) complexes have been studied computationally at the density functional theory (DFT) and second-order algebraic diagrammatic construction (ADC(2)) levels using triple-ξ basis sets augmented with polarization functions. The molecular structures were optimized using Becke's three-parameter hybrid functional (B3LYP). The electronic excitation spectra in the range of 400-700 nm were calculated using the ADC(2) and the linear-response time-dependent DFT methods. The calculated spectra are compared to those measured in ethanol solution. The calculated excitation energies agree well with those deduced from the experimental spectra. The excitation energies for the Q band calculated at the B3LYP and ADC(2) level are 0.20-0.25 eV larger than the experimental values. The excitation energies for the Q band calculated at the B3LYP level are 0.10-0.20 eV smaller than the ADC(2) ones and are thus in good agreement with experiment. The calculated excitation energies corresponding to the B and B bands are 0.10-0.30 eV larger than the experimental values. The excitation energies of the B and B bands calculated at the B3LYP level are in somewhat better agreement with experiment than the ADC(2) ones. The calculated and measured band strengths largely agree. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Estimating liver parenchymal enhancement prior to gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is crucial to accurate detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions. We aimed to clarify the factors predictive of liver enhancement in a relatively large sample of patients. Methods: Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR images of 328 patients with liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A in 223 patients, class B in 71 patients, and class C in 34 patients) were analyzed retrospectively. The liver parenchymal signal intensity (SI) was measured in pre-contrast T1-weighted images and hepatocyte phase images. The relative enhancement (RE) was calculated: (hepatocyte phase SI-pre-contrast SI)/pre-contrast SI. We analyzed the correlation between hepatic function parameters and RE. Results: RE of patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis was significantly higher than that of patients with Child-Pugh B or C cirrhosis (both P < 0.001). Among various clinical factors, platelet count, prothrombin activity, albumin, sodium, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, MELD-Na score, Child-Pugh score, and the presence of ascites were significantly correlated with RE. A multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that MELD-Na, albumin, and the presence of ascites were the only factors that predicted liver parenchymal enhancement on hepatocyte-phase images. Conclusion: The degree of liver parenchymal enhancement after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration was correlated with liver function parameters. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR images require careful interpretation, particularly in patients with cirrhosis and clinical factors such as high MELD-Na score, hypoalbuminemia, or ascites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV spectroscopic measurements have been used to determine the binding ability of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) ligand towards the $$ {\text{VO}}_2^+ $$ ion at different ionic strengths of sodium chloride (0.11-0.95 mol·dm) and at T = 298 K. Dissociation constants of DTPA have been gathered from the literature. Calculations allowed us to identify the formation of three species VOHL, VOHL and VOHL in the pH range of about 1.00-2.50. All of these complexes were characterized in terms of their stability constants on the basis of two different thermodynamic models (extended Debye-Hückel type and specific ion interaction theory) for the investigation of the ionic strength dependence of the stability and dissociation constants. Comparison with literature data is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reprocessing of nuclear fuels to extract the remaining actinides is one of the most important strategies for viable nuclear power in the future, as geologic waste disposal of high-level radioactive waste could have considerable negative impacts on the environment. As many of these strategies are based on solvent extraction processes, our aim is to establish the radiolytic stability of the component extraction ligands. The oxidative stability of the lanthanide metal-complexed extraction ligand DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) has been investigated through its reaction rate constant with the hydroxyl radical under TALSPEAK acidic pH conditions, both for the free ligand and complexed with Eu, Lu and Gd. Specific rate constants were obtained over a range of pH conditions using thiocyanate competition kinetics. The rate constants for the complexed metals are seen to be greater than the corresponding values determined for only the DTPA protonated ligands at these pHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the renewed interest in the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle, the TALSPEAK process is being considered for the separation of Am and Cm from the lanthanide fission products in a next generation reprocessing plant. However, an efficient separation requires tight control of the pH which likely will be difficult to achieve on a large scale. To address this issue, we measured the distribution of lanthanide and actinide elements between aqueous and organic phases in the presence of complexants which were potentially less sensitive to pH control than the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (DTPA) used in the process. To perform the extractions, a rapid and accurate method was developed for measuring distribution coefficients based on the preparation of lanthanide tracers in the Savannah River National Laboratory neutron activation analysis facility. The complexants tested included aceto-, benzo-, and salicylhydroxamic acids, N, N, N′, N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), and ammonium thiocyanate (NHSCN). The hydroxamic acids were the least effective of the complexants tested. The separation factors for TPEN and NHSCN were higher, especially for the heaviest lanthanides in the series; however, no conditions were identified which resulted in separations factors which consistently approached those measured for the use of DTPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) findings of nodules (low-grade dysplastic nodules-LGDNs; high-grade dysplastic nodules-HGDN, and hepatocellular carcinoma-HCC), histologically identified on cirrhotic, explanted livers. Methods: IRB approval was obtained for this study. Thirty-four patients underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR examinations (1.5T system), that included 20-min delayed hepatobiliary (HB) phase imaging, before undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT; mean time MR-OLT: 2.7 months). A total of 102 hepatic nodules were identified and analyzed at histopathological examination, and classified as LGDN, HGDN, and HCC. Two radiologists by consensus performed a quantitative (enhancement ratios, ERs) and a qualitative analyses of signal intensities of identified nodules on vascular dynamic phases (30-35 s after injection-arterial phase; 180-190 s after injection late phase) and on HB phases. Correlation between nodules MR patterns and histological classification was analyzed by means of dedicated statistical software. Results: No differences were appreciable among ERs of HGDN and HCCs on HB phase ( P > 0.001). Lesions' enhancement on vascular dynamic and on HB phases significantly correlated to histological classification of nodules ( P < 0.0001). Nodular hyperintensity on arterial phase and hypointensity on late phase were highly predictive for HCC (PPV 100%), with a moderate sensitivity (72.5%). Nodular hypointensity on HB phase was detected on 39/40 HCCs (sensitivity 97.5%) and in 21/30 HGDNs, whereas no LGDN showed it. Conclusions: Hyperenhancement on arterial phase and hypointensity on late phase are the most specific clues for the diagnosis of HCC. Hypointensity on HB phase shows a PPV of 100% in suggesting nodular premalignancy/malignancy, independently from nodular dynamic vascular enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the apoptosis mediated by caspase-3 and p53-dependent anticancer effects of Gd-DTPA-BMA metal complex were evaluated against RT2 glioblastoma cells. The results showed that the mechanism of cell death involves apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, the involvement of p53 protein triggered by Gd-DTPA-BMA in these cells was verified preliminarily. Considering these finding, the radioactive complex can be considered as potential therapeutic alternative agent against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Targeted therapy with α-particle emitting radionuclides is a promising new option in cancer therapy. Stable conjugates of the vascular tumour-homing peptide F3 with the α-emitter Bi specifically target tumour cells. The aim of our study was to determine efficacy of combined Bi-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-F3 and paclitaxel treatment compared to treatment with either Bi-DTPA-F3 or paclitaxel both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Cytotoxicity of treatment with Bi-DTPA-F3 and paclitaxel, alone or in combination, was assayed towards OVCAR-3 cells using the alamarBlue assay, the clonogenic assay and flow cytometric analyses of the mode of cell death and cell cycle arrest. Therapeutic efficacy of the different treatment options was assayed after repeated treatment of mice bearing intraperitoneal OVCAR-3 xenograft tumours. Therapy monitoring was performed by bioluminescence imaging and histopathologic analysis. Results: Treatment of OVCAR-3 cells in vitro with combined Bi-DTPA-F3 and paclitaxel resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest compared to treatment with either Bi-DTPA-F3 or paclitaxel. Accordingly, i.p. xenograft OVCAR-3 tumours showed the best response following repeated (six times) combined therapy with Bi-DTPA-F3 (1.85 MBq) and paclitaxel (120 μg) as demonstrated by bioluminescence imaging and histopathologic investigation of tumour spread on the mesentery of the small and large intestine. Moreover, mean survival of xenograft mice that received combined therapy with Bi-DTPA-F3 and paclitaxel was significantly superior to mice treated with either Bi-DTPA-F3 or paclitaxel alone. Conclusion: Combined treatment with Bi-DTPA-F3 and paclitaxel significantly increased mean survival of mice with peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin, thus favouring future therapeutic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to evaluate gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and dysplastic nodules (DNs) compared with dynamic multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT), and to discriminate between HCCs and DNs. Methods: Eighty-six nodules diagnosed as HCC or DNs were retrospectively investigated. Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and dynamic MDCT were compared with respect to their diagnostic ability for hypervascular HCCs and detection sensitivity for hypovascular tumors. The ability of hepatobiliary images of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI to discriminate between these nodules was assessed. We also calculated the EOB enhancement ratio of the tumors. Results: For hypervascular HCCs, the diagnostic ability of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was significantly higher than that of MDCT for tumors less than 2 cm ( p = 0.048). There was no difference in the detection of hypervascular HCCs between hepatobiliary phase images of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI (43/45: 96%) and dynamic MDCT (40/45: 89%), whereas the detection sensitivity of hypovascular tumors by Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was significantly higher than that by dynamic MDCT (39/41: 95% vs. 25/41: 61%, p = 0.001). EOB enhancement ratios were decreased in parallel with the degree of differentiation in DNs and HCCs, although there was no difference between DNs and hypovascular well-differentiated HCCs. Conclusion: The diagnostic ability of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for hypervascular HCCs less than 2 cm was significantly higher than that of MDCT. For hypovascular tumors, the detection sensitivity of hepatobiliary phase images of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI was significantly higher than that of dynamic Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and dynamic MDCT. It was difficult to distinguish between DNs and hypovascular well-differentiated HCCs based on the EOB enhancement ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decontamination of TV-56 grade Be irradiated in an SM reactor to a neutron fluence of 6 × 10 cm ( E > 0.1 MeV) from radioactive impurities by precipitation of its hydroxide with ammonia in the presence of a complexone, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), was studied. The decontamination procedure involved dissolution in hydrochloric acid, addition of the complexone, precipitation of beryllium hydroxide with ammonia, separation of the hydroxide from solution, and washing of the hydroxide precipitate. The radioactivity of the solutions obtained after each decontamination step was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]