Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) consists of high moisture content and is favoured for its juice products. The popular fruit has a tempting taste, sweet aroma and attractive flesh colour. It is enriched with phytochemicals and antioxidant properties that are beneficial to human health. Due to convenience, the majority of individuals are likely to consume watermelon juice. However, little is known about the fruit juice storage and temperatures that may affect its beneficial properties. This study investigated the effect of storage temperature at room temperature, refrigerator cold, refrigerator freeze and freeze-dried, and analyzed the juice physico-chemicals (weight loss, pH, ash, moisture, total soluble solid, browning and turbidity), phytochemicals (total phenolic, total flavonoid, lycopene and β-carotene) and antioxidant scavenging activities during 9 days of storage. The results showed that watermelon juice was affected by storage temperatures and conditions with significant changes in physico-chemical appearance and decrease in total phytochemical content, thus consequently affecting their antioxidant activities during 9 days of storage. Although fresh watermelon juice can be consumed for its high nutritional values, freeze-drying is the preferable technique to retain its benefits and to delay juice degradation.

[18F]sodium fluoride ([18F]NaF) is recognised to be superior to [99mTc]-methyl diphosphate ([99mTc]Tc-MDP) and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) in bone imaging. However, there is concern that [18F]NaF uptake is not cancer-specific, leading to a higher number of false-positive interpretations. Therefore, in this work, [18F]AlF-NOTA-pamidronic acid was prepared, optimised, and tested for its in vitro uptake. NOTA-pamidronic acid was prepared by an N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester strategy and validated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS). Radiolabeling of [18F]AlF-NOTA-pamidronic acid was optimised, and it was ensured that all quality control analysis requirements for the radiopharmaceuticals were met prior to the in vitro cell uptake studies. NOTA-pamidronic acid was successfully prepared and radiolabeled with 18F. The radiolabel was prepared in a 1:1 molar ratio of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) to NOTA-pamidronic acid and heated at 100 °C for 15 min in the presence of 50% ethanol (v/v), which proved to be optimal. The preliminary in vitro results of the binding of the hydroxyapatite showed that [18F]AlF-NOTA-pamidronic acid was as sensitive as [18F]sodium fluoride ([18F]NaF). Normal human osteoblast cell lines (hFOB 1.19) and human osteosarcoma cell lines (Saos-2) were used for the in vitro cellular uptake studies. It was found that [18F]NaF was higher in both cell lines, but [18F]AlF-NOTA-pamidronic acid showed promising cellular uptake in Saos-2. The preliminary results suggest that further preclinical studies of [18F]AlF-NOTA-pamidronic acid are needed before it is transferred to clinical research.

BACKGROUND: Organic solvents play an indispensable role in most of the radiopharmaceutical production stages. It is almost impossible to remove them entirely in the final formulation of the product. OBJECTIVE: in this presented work, an analytical method by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) has been developed to determine organic solvents in radiopharmaceutical samples. The effect of injection holding time, temperature variation in the injection port, and the column temperature on the analysis time and resolution (R ≥ 1.5) of ethanol and acetonitrile was studied extensively. METHODS: the experimental conditions were optimized with the aid of further statistical analysis; thence, the proposed method was validated following the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q2 (R1) guideline. RESULTS: the proposed analytical method surpassed the acceptance criteria including the linearity > 0.990 (correlation coefficient of R2), precision < 2%, LOD, and LOQ, accuracy > 90% for all solvents. The separation between ethanol and acetonitrile was acceptable with a resolution R > 1.5. Further statistical analysis of Oneway ANOVA revealed that the increment in injection holding time and variation of temperature at the injection port did not significantly affect the analysis time. Nevertheless, the variation in injection port temperature substantially influenced the resolution of ethanol and acetonitrile peaks (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: the proposed analytical method has been successfully implemented to determine the organic solvent in the [18F]fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine ([18F]FET), [18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO), and [18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT).

Analytical gas chromatography in line with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) method was developed and validated for direct determination of organic solvents in [18F]fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine ([18F]FET), [18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) and [18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT). Variables of the splitless time (min) and injection temperature (°C) on the response of analysis time and resolution were optimized with the assistance of a two-level full factorial design and desirability function of Derringer. The proposed procedure was validated following the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q2 (R1) guideline. Excellent linearity, R2 > 0.990, indicated that approximately 99% of the response variance could be predicted from ethanol and acetonitrile concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 6.0 mg mL−1 and 0.1 to 0.8 mg mL−1, respectively. The proposed procedure has proved to be selective, sensitive, and accurate (90–110%), with excellent repeatability and precision (RSD < 2%). In the robustness analysis, the findings from the calculated Standardized Effects Values (SE) were insignificant (p > 0.05) and demonstrated that the proposed method was robust for a splitless time of 1.0 ± 0.5 min and an injection temperature of 210 ± 10 °C. The proposed method was also successfully used for the quantitative determination of ethanol and acetonitrile in [18F]FET, [18F]FMISO, and [18F]FLT. Both solvents were well separated (R, 4.1–4.3) within 4.5 min. Therefore, the proposed method is relevant for routine quality control analysis of all 18F-radiopharmaceutical derivatives for the direct determination of ethanol and acetonitrile.

Chemical compounds such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and hydrogen silicone (HS) have been extensively used for fabricating medical phantoms due to its human tissue equivalency. This study aimed to evaluate the mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number, and other radiation attenuation properties of various polydimethylsiloxane samples and to verify the best material that can be used to simulate the kidney tissue. There are six samples of polymers in total, which are denoted as S0, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5; these were 20/0/0, 16/4/0, 16/0/4, 12/4/4, 10/4/6 and 8/4/8, respectively with the composition of PDMS, HS and water. The Photon Shielding and Dosimetry (Phy-X/PSD) software (Phy-x.net) were used to estimate the attenuation properties, and the results were compared with the theoretical values obtained from the XCOM platform. The values of effective atomic number, mass attenuation coefficient, and linear attenuation coefficient, for PDMS S0 are reported to be the highest compared to all other samples, as S0 is based on 100% PDMS without any water and HS. The S1 sample, which only contained 20% of HS, was found to be higher than S2 sample, which had 20% water but without any HS. Hence, the water in samples significantly influences the radiation attenuation properties for photon energy. The Zeff for soft tissue and PDMS are different; their respective atomic numbers differ due to a presence of higher elements such as Si. This study reveals that the modified material, S1 samples constructed from 80% PDMS and 20% hydrophilic can be used to simulate the kidney in terms of the total mass attenuation coefficient, CT number and effective atomic number.

Objective: Analytical gas chromatography in line with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) method was developed and validated for evaluating organic solvents in radiopharmaceutical samples [18F]fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine ([18F]FET), [18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) and [18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT). Variables of the carrier gas flow (mL min−1) and a split ratio of injection on the response of analysis time and resolution were optimised with the assistance of a two-level full factorial design and desirability function of Derringer. Methods: the proposed procedure was validated following the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q2 (R1) guideline. Results: Excellent linearity, R2 > 0.990 indicated that approximately 99% of the variance in the response could be predicted from ethanol and acetonitrile concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 7.5 mg mL−1 and 0.1 to 1.0 mg mL−1, respectively. The proposed procedure proved to be selective, sensitive and accurate (85 to 105%), with excellent repeatability and precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 2%). In assessing the robustness of the method, the proposed procedure also proved to be robust as the standardised effects values (SE) were insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: the proposed method has also been successfully used for the quantitative determination of ethanol and acetonitrile in [18F]FET, [18F]FMISO and [18F]FLT samples. Analytes were well resolved (R, 7.9 – 8.1) within 3.5 min even though the column had a larger, 0.53 mm internal diameter. The proposed method is, therefore, relevant for routine organic solvent quality control analysis of any 18F-radiopharmaceutical derivatives.

Introduction: Exponential research and development of nanotechnology has lead to its implementation in medical line such as radiographic imaging. In current practice, iodine is clinically used as a contrast media in radiographic analyses. However, contraindication of iodine to kidney in clinical practice warrants for a better contrast enhancer with lower toxicity. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and Iron Oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been proposed as potential iodine’s substitute due to their novel biocompatibility. Methods: in accordance with technology-driven toxicity impact, an animal modeling study has been conducted to assess the nephrotoxicopathology of GNPs and IONPs with Perchloric Acid and SiPEG by biochemical study, in-depth tissue examination by histopathology, apoptosis, and ultrastructural observation, and molecular analysis by Comet Assay. Results: Renal function test (RFT) revealed significant alteration in iodine group compared to nanoparticles and negative control group (p

18F-fluorination using aluminum-fluoride ([18F]AlF) chelate technique has been reported to give a low-to-moderate radiochemical yield, between 5 and 20%. Therefore, the work described here outlines the optimum 18F-fluorination condition for the formation of [18F]AlF2+ and [18F]AlF-NOTA-NHS complex with the radiochemical yield (RCY) and purity (RCP) of more than 90% as a prerequisite step before proceeding with the radiopharmaceutical preparation using the [18F]AlF-bifunctional chelator technique. As well as being simple, the suggested method is practical and relevant for beginners interested in 18F-fluorination with [18F]AlF-chelate complex technique or also for a researcher who aims to proceed on an extensive scale.

Introduction: This preliminary study aimed to non-invasively evaluate choline (CHO), creatine (Cr) and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) metabolites in skeletal muscles at pre- and post-functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise among incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) of American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (ASIA-AIS) D patients using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy or 1H-MRS. Methods: These metabolites were measured from the vastus lateralis and semitendinosus muscles of three incomplete SCI ASIA-AIS D patients who completed the FES exercise and later underwent 3 Tesla (T) MRI (repetition time/echo time; TR/TE of 3500ms/100ms, field-of-view; FOV of 20cm, slice thickness of 6mm) and 1H-MRS (TR/TE of 2000ms/31ms, voxel size of 20mm x 20mm x 35mm). Results: Out of those selected metabolites, only CHO value of vastus lateralis showed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post FES exercise 1H-MRS scanning (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Therefore, this preliminary finding has postulated that the quantification of muscle metabolites using 1H-MRS imaging could be used as a potential indicator in evaluating the muscle strength for incomplete SCI ASIA-AIS D patients after the completion of FES cycling exercise.

Background: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a reliable radiographic modality to assess trabecular bone microarchitecture. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CBCT image reconstruction parameters, namely, the threshold value and reconstruction voxel size, on trabecular bone microstructure assessment. Methods: Five sectioned maxilla of adult Dorper male sheep were scanned using a CBCT system with a resolution of 76 μm3 (Kodak 9000). The CBCT images were reconstructed using different reconstruction parameters and analysed. The effect of reconstruction voxel size (76, 100 and 200 μm3) and threshold values (±15% from the global threshold value) on trabecular bone microstructure measurement was assessed using image analysis software (CT analyser version 1.15). Results: There was no significant difference in trabecular bone microstructure measurement between the reconstruction voxel sizes, but a significant difference (Tb.N = 0.03, Tb.Sp = 0.04, Tb.Th = 0.01, BV/TV = 0.00) was apparent when the global threshold value was decreased by 15%. Conclusions: Trabecular bone microstructure measurements are not compromised by changing the CBCT reconstruction voxel size. However, measurements can be affected when applying a threshold value of less than 15% of the recommended global value.

This study aimed to establish the local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examinations based on body size with regard to noise magnitude as a quality indicator. The records of 127 patients (55 males and 72 females) who had undergone CTPAs using a 128-slice CT scanner were retrieved. The dose information, scanning acquisition parameters, and patient demographics were recorded in standardized forms. The body size of patients was categorized into three groups based on their anteroposterior body length: P1 (14–19 cm), P2 (19–24 cm), and P3 (24–31 cm), and the radiation dose exposure was statistically compared. The image noise was determined quantitatively by measuring the standard deviation of the region of interest (ROI) at five different arteries—the ascending and descending aorta, pulmonary trunk, and the left and right main pulmonary arteries. We observed that the LDRL values were significantly different between body sizes (p < 0.05), and the median values of the CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) for P1, P2, and P3 were 6.13, 8.3, and 21.40 mGy, respectively. It was noted that the noise reference values were 23.78, 24.26, and 23.97 HU for P1, P2, and P3, respectively, which were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05). The CTDIvol of 9 mGy and dose length product (DLP) of 329 mGy·cm in this study were lower than those reported by other studies conducted elsewhere. This study successfully established the LDRLs of a local healthcare institution with the inclusion of the noise magnitude, which is comparable with other established references.

Using radiolabelled peptides that bind, with high affinity and specificity, to receptors on tumour cells is one of the most promising fields in modern molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy (1). In the emergence of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine diagnosis and therapy, albeit theranostic, radiolabelled peptides have become vital tools for in vivo visualisation and monitoring physiological and biochemical processes on molecular and cellular levels (2). This approach may benefit patients in the era of personalised medicine.

Nutritional intervention of fruit juice supplementation is able to maximize exercise performance. Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai] contains high L-citrulline content and consumption of watermelon juice may promote ergogenic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of 100% flesh watermelon juice and 100% rind watermelon juice supplementation for 14 days on swimming performance in rats. Twenty four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Cx group of rats supplemented with filtered tap water (negative control), L-cit group of rats supplemented with L-citrulline (positive control), FR group of rats supplemented with 100% flesh watermelon juice, and RR group of rats supplemented with 100% rind watermelon juice. Each group was supplemented for 14 days ad libitum prior to swimming exercise protocol. The rats were performed swimming exercise for 3 days and swimming time until exhaustion was measured. Plasma samples were collected to measure lactate concentration, ammonia concentration, and nitric oxide production. Rats supplemented with 100% flesh watermelon juice demonstrated significantly prolonged of swimming time until exhaustion, reduction of lactate and ammonia concentrations, and increased of nitric oxide production compared to Cx and L-cit groups (P

Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are known to have sufficient amino acid content. In this study, watermelons grown and consumed in Malaysia were investigated for their amino acid content, L-citrulline and L-arginine, by the isocratic RP-HPLC method. Flesh and rind watermelons were juiced, and freeze-dried samples were used for separation and quantification of L-citrulline and L-arginine. Three different mobile phases, 0.7% H3P04, 0.1% H3P04, and 0.7% H3P04: ACN (90: 10), were tested on two different columns using Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 and Gemini C18 with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min and a detection wavelength at 195 nm. Efficient separation with reproducible resolution of L-citrulline and L-arginine was achieved using 0.1% H3P04 on the Gemini C18 column. The method was validated and good linearity of L-citrulline and L-arginine was obtained with R2 = 0.9956, y=0.1664x+2.4142 and R2=0.9912, y=0.4100x+3.4850, respectively. L-citrulline content showed the highest concentration in red watermelon of flesh and rind juice extract (43.81 mg/g and 45.02 mg/g), whereas L-arginine concentration was lower than L-citrulline, ranging from 3.39 to 11.14 mg/g. The isocratic RP-HPLC method with 0.1% H3P04 on the Gemini C18 column proved to be efficient for separation and quantification of L-citrulline and L-arginine in watermelons.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a nutritious fruit that has attracted scientific interest due to its phytonutrient content including carotenoids and amino acids. Watermelon juice is the richest known source of amino acids including L-arginine and L-citrulline. For a complete separation of amino acids in watermelon juices, a gradient mode of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV detection was utilised owing to its supremacy over isocratic mode. This present study was aimed at achieving good separation of chromatography profiles and baseline between L-arginine and L-citrulline in red and yellow crimson watermelon juice extract. The edible parts of watermelons were juiced, stored at – 80oC and freeze dried to obtain dried juice powder. Samples were analysed by gradient mode of RP-HPLC using 0.1% orthophosphoric acid in water (v/v) and acetonitrile as mobile phase a and B. The chromatograph separation was performed using Gemini C18 column at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, maintained temperature at 25oC while detection was made at four different wavelengths; 195 nm, 200 nm, 207 nm and 210 nm with total analysis time of 35 min. Excellent chromatographic separation was achieved at conditions of gradient elution (0%B-95%B, 0-18 minutes and 95%B, 18-23 minutes, 95%B-0%B, 23-25 minutes, 0%B, 25-35 minutes) with baseline between L-arginine and L-citrulline in both watermelon juice extracts. The gradient mode used in this RP-HPLC successfully achieved efficient separation of chromatographic profile for amino acids, L-arginine and L-citrulline in the red and yellow crimson watermelon juice extracts.

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is a hybrid imaging modality that plays a crucial role in detecting and managing oesophageal cancer. However, not much is known about the clinicians’ perspective on its usage for oesophageal cancer. The aim of this study is to know the perspective of clinicians on the utilisation of PET-CT imaging for oesophageal cancer patients. A total of 73 clinicians with multidisciplinary clinical specialties for oesophageal cancer management were interviewed. All these clinicians had completed a survey consisting of 31 questions on; practicality, clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of PET-CT. The survey used Likert-scale to evaluate the responses. In terms of PET-CT practicality and clinical efficacy 39.7% - 43.8% and 47.9% - 83.5% of the sample respectively responded positively while in with regards to cost effectiveness, there was a significant difference from being neutral to having no opinion in 6 out of 9 questions. It was clear from the study that PET-CT has positive impact in the management of oesophageal cancer patients. However, issues related to expertise, availability, staffing and bureaucracy need to be addressed to improve competency and quality of services.

Ionising radiation (IR) has been extensively used as therapy and diagnostic modality to detect abnormalities inside a human body. Interaction between IR and cells can lead to production of free radicals. This study aims to evaluate radioprotective properties of 50% watermelon juice against low dose ionising radiation (LDIR)-induced stress in mice lung and liver tissues following 14 days of juice supplementation. Eighteen (18) ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups, negative control (Cx), radiation (Rx) and treatment group (Tx). The Cx group was treated with normal diet and filtered water while the Rx group was given a normal diet, filtered water and irradiated with 100 μGy x-ray; Tx group was fed a normal diet, 50% watermelon juice and irradiated with 100 μGy x-ray. After 14 days, level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung and liver tissues were evaluated. The SOD inhibition activity revealed a significant decrease in Rx and Tx compared with Cx (p

This animal modelling study aimed to investigate the effects of LDR exposure on cellular ROS production, oxidative DNA damage, and alteration of cellular ultrastructure and apoptosis-related protein expressions. Ten male ICR mice were randomly divided into two groups consisting of control (Cx) and radiation (Rx) groups. On day 29 of post-acclimatisation, mice underwent total body irradiation with 100 µGy X-ray. Liver and lung tissues were assessed for the levels of cellular ROS production and Apurinic/ Apyrimidinic sites generation. Ultrastructural alteration was detected using TEM, alteration of p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 expressions was determined by western blotting. Results showed that exposure to LDR significantly increased the levels of cellular ROS and AP sites in mice. Ultrastructure of the nucleus in Rx showed nuclear blebbing and structural changes in morphology that indicate cell death. Meanwhile, p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins increased in expressions and altered the balance of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings may postulate that LDR exposure may enhance oxidative DNA damage and alter expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

BACKGROUND: Kidneys and urinary bladder are common physiologic uptake sites of 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) causing increased exposure of low energy ionizing radiation to these organs. Accurate measurement of organ dose is vital as 18F-FDG is directly exposed to the organs. Organ dose from 18F-FDG PET is calculated according to the injected 18F-FDG activity with the application of dose coefficients established by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). But this dose calculation technique is not directly measured from these organs; rather it is calculated based on total injected activity of radiotracer prior to scanning. This study estimated the 18F-FDG dose to the kidneys and urinary bladder in whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) examination by comparing dose from total injected activity of 18F-FDG (calculated dose) and dose from organs activity based on the region of interest (ROI) (measured dose). METHODS: Nine subjects were injected intravenously with the mean 18F-FDG dose of 292.42 MBq prior to whole body PET/CT scanning. Kidneys and urinary bladder doses were estimated by using two approaches which are the total injected activity of 18F-FDG and organs activity concentration of 18F-FDG based on drawn ROI with the application of recommended dose coefficients for 18F-FDG described in the ICRP 80 and ICRP 106. RESULTS: the mean percentage difference between calculated dose and measured dose ranged from 98.95% to 99.29% for the kidneys based on ICRP 80 and 98.96% to 99.32% based on ICRP 106. Whilst, the mean percentage difference between calculated dose and measured dose was 97.08% and 97.27% for urinary bladder based on ICRP 80 while 96.99% and 97.28% based on ICRP 106. Whereas, the range of mean percentage difference between calculated and measured organ doses derived from ICRP 106 and ICRP 80 for kidney doses were from 17.00% to 40.00% and for urinary bladder dose was 18.46% to 18.75%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant difference between calculated dose and measured dose. The use of organ activity estimation based on drawn ROI and the latest version of ICRP 106 dose coefficient should be explored deeper to obtain accurate radiation dose to patients.

The use of prenatal ultrasound has become controversial as it is increasingly being performed for business and social interests rather than for medical use. This nonmedical use of the modality has violated the US FDA guideline. Ultrasound scans have been proven to increase temperature in insonated tissue and their effects have been investigated via phantom and animal experiments. Absorption coefficient of the bone is the highest compared with any other structure. Thus, exposure to ultrasound, especially during osteogenesis, can cause significant damage to developing foetus. Twenty-two pregnant does of known gestation were enrolled in the control and experimental groups. No exposure was given to the control group while the experimental groups were exposed accordingly to the prenatal ultrasound in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage for 30, 60 and 90 minutes respectively. A total of 142 subjects aged between 1 and 5 months were analysed for bone strength. The Tb.Th of the experimental group was reduced significantly as compared to the control group. Po, TMD and empty lacunae were higher in the experimental group. It is thus concluded that one-time prenatal ultrasound can affect bone strength in young subjects.

Bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3 NPs) have gained a spot in the development of novel molecular probes for in vivo biomedical imaging. It exists in six polymorphic forms and each of them exerts with different stabilities according to its synthetisation temperature. The aim of this preliminary study is to determine effect of different synthetiation temperatures on cellular viability in vitro. One hundred µg/ml Bi2O3 NPs synthesised at 60, 90 and 120°C were characterised using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and their cytotoxicity was evaluated using cell viability assay (MTT assay) upon 24 hours exposure to Chang liver cells. Images captured by SEM showed an average diameter of 300 nm monoclinic-shaped with high crystalline formation of all three Bi2O3 NPs. MTT assay revealed increase in liver cell viability as the synthetisation temperature of Bi2O3 NPs increase. The outcomes suggested that synthetisation temperature of Bi2O3 NPs plays a role in cellular viability, hence predictive to the biocompatibility of these nanoparticles to be applied as in vivo radiographic contrast medium.

Engineered nanoparticles have been extensively explored in various biomedical settings including nanoparticulate imaging agents due to its promising benefits to mankind. Iodine-intolerance patients have caused alarming concerns in searching new contrast media with lower toxicity effect. However, proper potential mechanism of nanoparticles has yet to be fully established despite its early acceptance and emerging usage. By using animal model system, our aim is to assess acute toxicity of 14 nm iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with citric acid, nitric acid, perchloric acid and silane-polyethylene glycol (SiPEG). Eighteen male Wistar Rats were used in order to explore the underlying toxicity of IONPs in liver tissues after 24 hours. Hydroxyl radicals (OH) were elucidated by using reactive oxygen species (ROS) production assay and western blotting for the presence of p53 protein expression. The results revealed SiPEG coated IONPs have lower ROS production and lower expression of p53, however no statistical significant were observed. It can be hypothesized that SiPEG has blood-pooling contrast agent potential due to longer circulation period in blood. While, IONPs not coated with SiPEG tend to be phagocytosed by mononuclear phagocyte system and released Fe2+ ions initiative to acute cellular toxicity. The outcomes highlighted that administration of SiPEG coated IONPs believed to be a safer radiographic contrast media.

Emerging syntheses and findings of new metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have become an important aspect in various fields including diagnostic imaging. To date, iodine has been utilized as a radiographic contrast medium. However, the raise concern of iodine threats on iodine-intolerance patient has led to search of new contrast media with lower toxic level. In this animal modeling study, 14 nm iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with silane-polyethylene glycol (SiPEG) and perchloric acid have been assessed for toxicity level as compared to conventional iodine. The nanotoxicity of IONPs was evaluated in liver biochemistry, reactive oxygen species production (ROS), lipid peroxidation mechanism, and ultrastructural evaluation using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The hematological analysis and liver function test (LFT) revealed that most of the liver enzymes were significantly higher in iodine-administered group as compared to those in normal and IONPs groups P < 0.05. ROS production assay and lipid peroxidation indicator, malondialdehyde (MDA), also showed significant reductions in comparison with iodine group P < 0.05. TEM evaluation yielded the aberration of nucleus structure of iodine-administered group as compared to those in control and IONPs groups. This study has demonstrated the less toxic properties of IONPs and it may postulate that IONPs are safe to be applied as radiographic contrast medium.

Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of mortality. Presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary artery is responsible for lumen stenosis which is often used as an indicator for determining the severity of coronary artery disease. However, the degree of coronary lumen stenosis is not often related to compromising myocardial blood flow, as most of the cardiac events that are caused by atherosclerotic plaques are the result of vulnerable plaques which are prone to rupture. Thus, identification of vulnerable plaques in coronary arteries has become increasingly important to assist identify patients with high cardiovascular risks. Molecular imaging with use of positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has fulfilled this goal by providing functional information about plaque activity which enables accurate assessment of plaque stability. This review article provides an overview of diagnostic applications of molecular imaging techniques in the detection of plaques in coronary arteries with PET and SPECT. New radiopharmaceuticals used in the molecular imaging of coronary plaques and diagnostic applications of integrated PET/CT and PET/MRI in coronary plaques are also discussed.

Watermelon is a natural product that contains high level of antioxidants and may prevent oxidative damage in tissues due to free radical generation following an exposure to ionizing radiation. The present study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) juice against oxidative damage induced by low dose X-ray exposure in mice. Twelve adult male ICR mice were randomly divided into two groups consisting of radiation (Rx) and supplementation (Tx) groups. Rx received filtered tap water, while Tx was supplemented with 50% (v/v) watermelon juice for 28 days ad libitum prior to total body irradiation by 100 μGy X-ray on day 29. Brain, lung, and liver tissues were assessed for the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibition activities. Results showed significant reduction of MDA levels and AP sites formation of Tx compared to Rx (P

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different tube potentials and concentrations of iodinated contrast media (CM) on the image enhancement, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and noise in micro-computed tomography (µCT) images. A phantom containing of five polyethylene tube was filled with 2 mL of deionized water and iodinated CM (Omnipaque 300 mgI/mL) at four different concentrations: 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol/L, respectively. The phantom was scanned with a µCT machine (SkyScan 1176) using various tube potentials: 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 kVp, a fixed tube current; 100 µA, and filtration of 0.2 mm aluminum (Al). The percentage difference of image enhancement, CNR and noise of all images, acquired at different kVps and concentrations, were calculated. The image enhancement, CNR and noise curves with respect to tube potential and concentration were plotted and analysed. The highest image enhancement was found at the lowest tube potential of 40 kVp. At this kVp setting, the percentage difference of image enhancement [Hounsfield Unit (HU) of 20 mol/L iodine concentration over HU of deionized water] was 43%. By increasing the tube potential, it resulted with the reduction of HU, where only 17.5% different were noticed for 90 kVp. Across all iodine concentrations (5-20 M), CNR peaked at 80 kVp and then these values showed a slight decreasing pattern, which might be due insufficient tube current compensation. The percentage difference of image noise obtained at 40 and 90 kVp was 72.4%. Lower tube potential setting results in higher image enhancement (HU) in conjunction with increasing concentration of iodinated CM. Overall, the tube potential increment will substantially improve CNR and reduce image noise.

Prenatal Ultrasound (US) is commonly used as a routine procedure on pregnant women. It is generally perceived as a safe procedure due to the use of non-ionizing radiation. However, the neurotoxicity of diagnostic prenatal US was detected to have a correlation with high susceptibility to early developing fetus. This research involved in vivo experimental model by using 3(rd) trimester pregnant Oryctolagus cuniculus and exposing them to US exposures for 30, 60, and 90 minutes at their gestational day (GD) 28-29. The output power and intensities, spatial peak temporal average intensity (ISPTA) of US were varied from 0.4 to 0.7 W and 0.13 to 0.19 W/cm(2) respectively were tested initially in free-field, water. Haematological analysis was carried out to detect any changes in blood constituents. Statistically significant differences were detected in red blood cell (RBC) count (P

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of rabbit foetal bodies exposed to ultrasound at different gestational stages. A total of 9 pregnant rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were insonated for 60 minutes at the middle of 1(st), 2(nd) and 3(rd) gestational stages for group a (n=14 newborns), group B (n=7 newborns) and group C (n=24 newborns) respectively. Seven pregnant rabbits with 41 newborns severed as negative control group. Blood samples were withdrawn from each newborn rabbits for Parathyroid Hormone-Intact (PTH-I) test. Results of the independent samples t-test implied statistically significant differences (P

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of dual time point imaging (DTPI) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) for detecting the infective lesions in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Methods: Eleven patients were consecutively recruited and evaluated. After the intravenous injection of 369 ± 153 MBq of FDG, all patients underwent FDG PET/CT imaging at two different time points: early scan at 57 ± 23 min and delayed scan at 136 ± 42 min. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were recorded for both time points (early scan: SUVmax1 and delayed scan: SUVmax2). Results: in total, 30 lesions were detected. The SUVmax2 in 22 of the lesions in confirmed EPTB patients were significantly higher than the SUVmax1 (7.9 ± 3.2 vs. 6.8 ± 2.5; P = 0.001). The SUVmax for another eight non-EPTB lesions also showed a significant increasing pattern of change (6.2 ± 2.6 vs. 6.5 ± 2.8; P = 0.044). However, there was insignificant difference between the mean percentage difference of SUVmax (%ΔSUVmax) of EPTB and non-EPTB lesions (P = 0.06). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that early whole body PET/CT imaging may be sufficient for the detection of the EPTB lesions and DTPI of PET/CT may also not be a useful technique in differentiating between EPTB and non-EPTB lesions. However, our findings are based on a limited number of patients, and therefore, further investigations in larger series of patients are warranted. © 2011 the Authors. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the appearance of active TB lymphadenitis using multimodality imaging apparatus. Multi-modality diagnostic imaging tools, including chest radiograph, Ultrasound (US), Computed Tomographic Scan (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and integrated 18F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography/CT examination, were performed to demonstrate TB lymphadenitis in the neck and superior mediastinum of a 26 year old female patient. There was widening of superior mediastinum on chest radiograph. Meanwhile, the ultrasound carried out detected superficial cystic lesions in the cervical region. The MRI found multiple gadolinium enhanced cervical and mediastinal lymphadenophaties. Contrast enhanced CT found heterogeneous enhancing lymphadenopathies in the same anatomical region. FDG PET/ CT demonstrated a high metabolic activity in all lesions, as demonstrated by conventional imaging modalities. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from 1ml aspirate using US guidance. Posttreatment FDG PET CT scan demonstrated a complete metabolic remission of active lesions FDG PET CT can be used to demonstrate metabolic activity of active TB lesions in addition to guide clinicians in treating TB lesions. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press.

This study aimed to quantify the amount of change in Standardised Uptake Values (SUVs) of PET/CT images by simulating the set-up as closely as possible to the actual patient scanning. The experiments were conducted using an anthropomorphic phantom, which contained an amount of radioactivity in the form of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in a primary plastic test tube and one litre saline bags, including the insertion of bony structures and another two test tubes containing different concentrations of iodine contrast media. Standard scanning protocols were employed for the PET/CT image acquisition. The highest absolute differences in the SUVmax and SUVmean values of the saline bags were found to be about 0.2 and 0.4, respectively. The primary test tube showed the largest change of 1.5 in both SUVs; SUV max and SUV-mean. However, none of these changes were found to be statistically significant. The clinical literature also contains no evidence to suggest that the changes of this magnitude would change the final diagnosis. Based on these preliminary data, we propose that iodine contrast media can be used during the CT scan of PET/CT imaging, without significantly affecting the diagnostic quality of this integrated imaging modality. © Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine 2011.

The aim of this report was to assess the changes in the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake of brown fats on integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/ CT) imaging. The patient presented with an enlargement of the neck lymph nodes, and was suspicious for tuberculous lymphadenitis. A whole body PET/CT imaging was performed, followed by a delayed imaging of the neck and thoracic regions. A visually increased 18F-FDG uptake was taken as a positive finding. A semi-quantitative evaluation was performed using a maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) with a cut-off value above 2.5. There were a number of 18F-FDG avid activity areas seen at the supraclavicular, mediastinal, paravertebral and perirenal regions. These are in keeping with the physiological 18F-FDG uptake in brown fat. The differences in SUVmax between the two scans ranged from -20 percent to +20 percent. Based on our observation, dual time point imaging may not be a reliable method for assessing the 18F-FDG uptake of brown fat.

Dual Time Point Imaging (DTPI) technique is a specialised protocol adopted in 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. This technique is claimed to be useful in differentiating malignant and infective lesions. The authors adopted this technique in a patient diagnosed with tuberculous spondylodiscitis and psoas abscess which demonstrated higher Maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) during initial scans as compared with those obtained on delayed scans. The SUVmax changes between the two time points are believed to be a valuable finding for chronic granulomatous infective lesions such as tuberculosis. © 2010 Biomedical Imaging and Intervention Journal.

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT: the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of intravenous (IV) iodine contrast media on semiquantitative values of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG PET/CT) imaging in Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Nine patients diagnosed with EPTB infection were recruited. Whole body PET and non-enhanced CT were acquired for about 58.3 (mean; ranging from 30-86) min following the intravenous injection of 357.7 (mean; ranging from 145-592) MBq of FDG and subsequently enhanced CT images were acquired utilising 100 mL of iodine contrast media without positional change. PET images were reconstructed using both CT image datasets and the maximum standardised uptake values (SUVmax) were obtained from 5 different organs or tissues; heart, liver, spleen, urinary bladder and lesion. RESULT: the mean percentage differences of SUVmax between enhanced and non-enhanced PET/CT for all investigated tissues were found to be 0.305±2.457% for heart, 0.013±0.592% for liver, -0.059±1.808% for spleen, 0.122±0.654% for urinary bladder and -3.789±18.457% for lesion. These changes were found to be statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that utilisation of iodine contrast media in the CT component of PET/CT imaging scan will not cause significant changes on SUVmax values in the diagnosis of EPTB infection.