Synthesis,radiofluorination, and hypoxia-selective studies of FRAZ: A configurational and positional analogue of the clinical hypoxia marker, [18F]-FAZA

The current work evaluates 1-α-d-(2-deoxy-2-fluororibofuranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole (FRAZ), a novel azomycin nucleoside that is a potential radiosensitizer of tumor hypoxia. FRAZ is a ribose analogue of 1-α-d-(2-deoxy-2-fluoroarabinofuranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole ([¹⁸F]-FAZA), a clinically used hypoxia marker. Preliminary assessment of the cytotoxicity and hypoxia-specific in vitro binding in HCT-110 colorectal cancer cells indicate that the radiosensitization properties of FRAZ are similar to that of FAZA, with a sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER) of ～1.8. An automated radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]-FRAZ using a commercial automated synthesis unit (ASU) was established (synthesis time ～32 min; radiochemical yield (decay uncorrecetd) ～22%) to facilitate its application in PET-based diagnosis of hypoxic tumors.     

Ethnic elders.

The numbers of elderly people from ethnic groups within Britain is rising rapidly as postwar immigrants age. Ethnic elders face problems owing to age-associated increased risks of common chronic diseases, racial discrimination, and poor access to many health services and social services. This disadvantage will be alleviated through increased understanding of health beliefs held by ethnic elders and ensuring better access to services through mechanisms such as employment of more staff from ethnic minority groups in senior positions, better training of staff, and more appropriate and sensitive environments. The myths that family care is sufficient, that no use of services implies no need, and that assimilation into the majority population will occur must be discounted.     

Effects of Graded Inclusion of Bioactive Peptides Derived from Sesame Meal on the Growth Performance,Internal Organs,Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of bioactive peptides derived from sesame meal (BPSM) compared with...     

Sedimentary facies and paleoenvironmental interpretation of the Oligocene larger-benthic-foraminifera-dominated Qom Formation in the northeastern margin of the Tethyan Seaway

The well-exposed outcrops of the Bujan, northern Abadeh, and Varkan stratigraphic sections of the Qom Formation in the Iranian part of the “northeastern margin” of the Tethyan Seaway were characterized by abundant biogenic components dominated by foraminifers, coralline red algae, and corals. The Qom Formation is Rupelian–Chattian in age in the study areas. Based on the field investigations, depositional textures, and dominant biogenic components, fifteen (carbonate and terrigenous) facies were identified. These facies can be grouped into four depositional environments: open marine, open lagoon, restricted lagoon, and continental braided streams. The marine facies were deposited on a ramp-type platform. The euphotic inner ramp was characterized mainly by imperforate foraminifera, with co-occurrence of some perforate taxa. These facies passed basinward into a mesophotic (middle) ramp with Neorotalia packstone (F5), coral, coralline algae, perforate foraminiferal packstone (F4), and coral patch reefs (F7). The deeper, oligophotic ramp facies were marly packstones with planktonic and hyaline benthic foraminifera, including large lepidocyclinids and nummulitids. The abundance of perforate foraminifera and the absence of facies indicating restricted lagoonal or intertidal settings suggest that the Varkan section was deposited mainly in open marine settings with normal salinity. The prevalence of larger benthic foraminiferal and red algal assemblages, together with the coral facies, indicates that carbonate production took place in tropical–subtropical waters.     

The Association Between rs1748195 and rs11207997 Variants of the ANGPTL3 Gene and Susceptibility to Cardiovascular Disease in the MASHAD Cohort Study

Biochemical Genetics - There is a strong genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Loss-of-function variants of the angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene have been reported to be...