A hybrid imaging agent targeting the av beta 3 integrin111In-MSAP-RGD (MSAP=multifunctional single-attachment-point reagent), which contains a targeting moiety, a pentetic acid (DTPA) chelate, and a cyanine selleck compound dyewas evaluated for its potential value in combined lesion detection and interventional molecular imaging in a 4T1 mouse breast cancer model. SPECT/CT and fluorescence imaging were used to visualize the tumor in vivo. Tracer distribution was evaluated ex vivo down to the microscopic level. The properties of 111In-MSAP-RGD were compared with those of 111In-DTPA-RGD. Biodistribution studies revealed a prolonged retention and increased tumor accumulation of 111In-MSAP-RGD

relative to 111In-DTPA-RGD. With 111In-MSAP-RGD, identical features could be visualized preoperatively (SPECT/CT) and intraoperatively (fluorescence imaging). As well as the primary tumor, 111In-MSAP-RGD also enabled detection and accurate excision of distant metastases in the head and neck region of the mice. Therefore, the hybrid RGD derivative 111In-MSAP-RGD shows potential in preoperative planning and fluorescence-based surgical

intervention.”
“There are no data indicating a clear relationship between the clinical effect of risperidone and plasma drug concentration. In this study, 51 patients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia received 6 mg risperidone/day for 4 weeks. A clinical evaluation using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and PD173074 Udvalg for Klinicke Undersogelser (UKU) side effect rating scale were performed at baseline and each week. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations were found between plasma concentrations of risperidone and improved total selleck inhibitor BPRS scores, positive and cognitive symptoms. Plasma

concentrations of the active moiety were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with improved total BPRS scores. Improved score and percent improvement in anxiety-depression subscale were significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with plasma concentrations of the active moiety. The sum of total UKU side effect scores from 1 to 4 weeks was significantly correlated with plasma concentration of both risperidone (rs = 0.319, P < 0.05) and active moiety (rs = 0.373, P < 0.01). The sum of the psychic subgroup scores was significantly correlated with plasma concentrations of active moiety (rs = 0.318, P < 0.05). Results suggest that plasma drug concentrations are, to some extent, associated with improved scores in some psychopathological schizophrenic symptoms and sedative side effects. These findings should be replicated with a larger patient sample.”
“QRS Fragmentation and the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in MADIT II. Background: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) has been reported as a useful ECG parameter in predicting mortality in high-risk postinfarction patients. Its prognostic value for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains unknown.